Saturday, November 14, 2026 · Austin, Texas

Beards & Bowties 2026 Designer Application

This year's creative direction is Dandy and Distinction. Tell us about your brand, the collection you would present, and how you work. Applying does not guarantee selection.

Designer and brand information

Full name *Designer / brand name *Email address *Phone number *Instagram handleWebsite or online portfolioCity / stateHow long have you been designing?Tell us briefly about your brand and design aesthetic.

What categories best describe your work?

Beards & Bowties collection

How does your brand or proposed collection connect with this year's Dandy and Distinction creative direction?Approximately how many complete looks can you provide?Are these looks completed, in production, or still being designed?What size range will your looks accommodate?Are there specific model requirements for your collection? Height, measurements, gender presentation, hair, etc.Link to photos or sketches of the collection, or examples of what you plan to showcaseAdditional links or notes about the collectionAre any of your proposed looks being showcased publicly elsewhere before November 14?

Runway and styling

Will you be providing your own stylist, or will you need styling support?Do any looks require special dressing assistance or complicated changes?Any special runway requests, music preferences, props, or presentation elements we should consider?Are you open to collaborating with the Beards & Bowties creative team so your presentation stays cohesive with the overall show?

Models

Do you understand you will be using models selected through the official Beards & Bowties casting?Are you willing to make reasonable garment adjustments based on the models assigned to your collection?

Commitment and availability

Are you available for Beards & Bowties on Saturday, November 14, 2026?Can you attend all mandatory designer meetings, fittings, and designated rehearsals?Do you understand that participation requires timely communication and meeting all production deadlines?If selected, are you prepared to have your complete runway collection ready by the production deadline?Primary point of contact throughout productionBackstage assistant on show day (name and contact, if known)

Designer meetings

We are planning one virtual and two in-person designer meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays in October, 7-8pm. Please mark your availability for each date.

Thursday, October 1, 2026Tuesday, October 6, 2026Thursday, October 8, 2026Tuesday, October 13, 2026Thursday, October 15, 2026Tuesday, October 20, 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026Tuesday, October 27, 2026Thursday, October 29, 2026

Marketing and promotion

Short designer / brand bio we may use for promotional purposes.Upload your logo (high resolution)Upload a professional headshot or brand photoUpload collection photos or sketches (optional, up to 10)Are you willing to participate in promotional content: designer introductions, interviews, BTS, and social collaborations?Are you willing to actively promote your participation through your own platforms?What social platforms should we tag when promoting your brand?

Business and opportunities

Are your designs currently available for purchase?Where can guests purchase or inquire about your designs?Are you interested in opportunities to sell or take orders connected to the event, if available?Are you interested in future collaborations with Merida.B Events / Beards & Bowties?

Final agreement

Is there anything else we should know about your collection or your participation?Do you understand that applying does not automatically guarantee selection for Beards & Bowties 2026?If selected, do you agree to follow all production deadlines, rehearsal requirements, communication expectations, and show-day procedures?Do you understand that failure to communicate, meet deadlines, attend required rehearsals or fittings, or arrive by call time may result in removal from the show?Do you consent to photography and video of yourself and your collection being used to promote Beards & Bowties and Merida.B Events?Electronic signature (type your full name) *