Next semester, students studying or interested in fashion will have the opportunity to participate in Fashion Week New Orleans. The event, a five-day fashion exhibition that highlights ready-to-wear fashion while also giving emerging, established and renowned regional fashion designers a platform to display their current collection, is now accepting registrations for student volunteers.

“The goal of Fashion Week New Orleans is to showcase fashion designers, boutiques and retailers in a series of runway shows, fashion events and exhibitions,” said Kat Dudden FWNOLA assistant to the director.

The exhibition will take place at the Sugar Mill, a convention center in New Orleans, March 20-24.

FWNOLA is currently requesting all available fashion designers to participate in their annual Top Designer Competition. The competition takes place during Fashion Week with a runway show by the contestants on March 21.

Students can register to be a model, volunteer to work behind the scenes or become a member of the hair and makeup department known as the Glam Squad. They can also participate in the Top Design Competition.

“Our Top Design Competition recognizes that there is a significant number of emerging designers in the Southern region of the United States that are not getting the exposure they deserve,” said FWNOLA creative director Tracee Dundas. “Our competition gives these talented individuals a platform to showcase their collection in front of an audience of buyers, media and fashion professionals. This exposure can be priceless in helping kick-start an emerging designer’s career.”

The Top Design Prize will be awarded to one finalist.

“In addition to the honor of being recognized as the winner of our Top Design Competition, last year’s prize package included retail presence at local boutique Vernon Clothing, a manufacturing package from NOLA Sewn, a Brother sewing machine compliments of Allbrands.com, a gift certificate from Promenade Fine Fabrics, an editorial fashion spread in Amelie G Magazine, a professional photo shoot by photographer John Charles, Featured Designer placement at FWNOLA 2013 and more,” Dudden said.

For more information about Fashion Week New Orleans, visit fashionweeknola.com.