About DAFES AWARDS
We established the international competition program DAFES AWARDS to encourage creative achievements, share experiences and form guidelines for professional development in design, art, fashion, education and business.
DAFES AWARDS is awarded in five profiles, 20 categories and 80 nominations, as well as various partner nominations that we form together with educational and creative institutions.
About the nomination
The competition accepts projects carried out by owners and creators of their own brands with a creative concept and expressive branding aspects.
Branding experts will select and award the best projects in subcategories based on the following criteria:
- Best Brand Design: the nomination recognizes the visual identity and design of the brand, including the logo, color palette, typography, packaging, digital entities, brand communication experience and overall aesthetics. - Best Branding Strategy: the nomination recognizes the successful development and implementation of a brand strategy, including positioning, target audience definition and unique selling proposition. — Innovative Approach to Branding: the nomination recognizes creative and innovative methods of promoting and positioning the brand that distinguish it from other brands. - Best Rebranding: the nomination recognizes the successful update and transformation of an existing brand, including a change in strategy, design or positioning. - Best Personal Brand: the nomination recognizes an individual brand that demonstrates outstanding craftsmanship, uniqueness and influence in the creative industry.
Terms of participation
Both concepts and projects that have been implemented or published between November 1, 2023, and October 12, 2025, are accepted for professional nominations.
While confirmation of publication or implementation is not required for a project to participate in the competition, the jury may request verification from the competition organizers in disputed cases.
Requirements to projects
The application must include: - Brand Description: A brief summary of the brand’s history, mission, values, and what makes it unique. - Strategy and Goals: An overview of the branding strategy, including target audience, positioning, and communication methods. - Visuals: A presentation of the brand’s visual identity, including the logo, brand book (optional), packaging or product design, promotional materials, and any other visual aspects. - Successes and Results: A description of the brand’s achievements over a specific period, including growth of statistics, customer reviews, awards, or the industry’s recognition. - Presentation of Innovative approach: If the brand is nominated for an innovation-related award, it is necessary to describe the creative solutions or campaigns that distinguish the brand from others.
All projects are submitted to the competition in the format of a longread-format report created on the DAFES platform.
Registering and uploading a project
The step-by-step way to create an account and create a project on the platform to participate in the contest is described in the instructions.
Stages of the competition
Project submission deadline — October 12, 2025 Voting proccess — October 13 to 19, 2025 Invitation of participants and preparation for the ceremony — October 20 to November 7, 2025
Awarding ceremony
The award ceremony for the winners will take place on November 8, 2025 at the Khudozhestvenny cinema at 14 Arbatskaya Square.
Contacts