For designers
Take your collection into a new market.
Runway Africa is recruiting African and African diaspora designers for a proposed Washington DC pilot. We are looking for distinctive collections supported by clear pricing, dependable product quality and the ability to fulfil orders.
Commercial readiness
Who we are looking for
A distinctive collection
Ready-to-wear, occasionwear, accessories, bags or jewelry with a clear point of view.Clear pricing
Retail and, where relevant, wholesale prices with margins that can support a retail partner.Dependable quality
Consistent construction, accurate sizing and product information you can stand behind.Ability to deliver
U.S. stock, reliable international shipping, or a clear plan for the fulfillment support you need.
What participation could include
Designed to include
- — A collection and commercial-readiness review before selection.
- — An agreed product presentation and customer shopping opportunity.
- — Buyer introductions or appointments, where suitable buyers agree to participate.
- — Product information linked to a clear purchase or inquiry route.
- — A post-event sales summary and a defined follow-up period.
Your responsibilities
What we ask of you
- — Accurate product, pricing and stock information.
- — Delivering product to the agreed standard and timeline.
- — Honouring delivery, sizing and return commitments to customers.
- — Agreeing written terms covering fees, commission, payouts, shipping and taxes.
The final format and each designer package will be confirmed in writing. Applications do not guarantee acceptance, travel support, buyer meetings, sales or publicity. Final fees and commission are agreed in writing before you commit.
Selection
Five steps from application to onboarding
- 01
Apply online
Share your brand, category, portfolio link and fulfillment readiness.
- 02
Commercial review
We review fit with the pilot's customers and buyers.
- 03
Conversation
We discuss stock, pricing and fulfillment with shortlisted designers.
- 04
Written terms
Scope, fees and commission are agreed in writing.
- 05
Onboarding
Product information and logistics are prepared.
Questions
Designer FAQ
Who is eligible?
African and African diaspora designers with a distinctive collection, clear pricing, dependable quality and the ability to fulfil orders. The pilot prioritises ready-to-wear, occasionwear, accessories, bags and jewelry.
Must I travel to Washington DC?
Not necessarily. Attendance requirements will depend on the confirmed format and will be agreed with you in writing. We cannot offer travel funding.
Can I apply without U.S. inventory?
Yes. We prioritise U.S.-based brands and Africa-based brands with reliable U.S. stock or delivery arrangements, but tell us your situation — including if you need fulfillment support.
What support is included?
Participation is designed to include a readiness review, an agreed presentation and shopping opportunity, buyer introductions where suitable, a purchase route and a post-event sales summary. Each package is confirmed in writing.
What does it cost?
There is no application fee. Any participation fee and commission will be explained and agreed in writing before you decide whether to join.
Who handles orders and returns?
Responsibilities for orders, payment processing, payouts, shipping, taxes and returns will be set out in your written terms before you commit.
What happens after I apply?
We review every application for commercial fit. If there is a suitable next step we will contact you to discuss stock, pricing and fulfillment. Applying does not guarantee acceptance.
Apply as a designer
Tell us about your brand
Tell us about your brand and collection. There is no application fee. Participation costs and any commission will be discussed before you decide whether to join. Please don't send passports, bank details or files.
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