Sonoma County 4H Fashion Revue

About the Fashion Design Contest

The Sonoma County 4H Fashion Revue is an annual, countywide event that brings together youth ages 818 to showcase their creativity, technical skill, and entrepreneurship in fashion design. Operated by the Sonoma County 4H program, the Revue offers participants a platform to design, construct, and model original garments while learning industrystandard techniques and sustainable practices.

Beyond the runway, the contest emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and community impact. Participants often collaborate with local designers, textile vendors, and mentors, building networks that can launch future careers in fashion, marketing, retail, or related fields.

Categories & Age Divisions

• Junior (Ages 810) Simple construction, emphasis on creativity and storytelling.
• Intermediate (Ages 1113) Greater technical requirements; inclusion of pattern drafting.
• Senior (Ages 1418) Advanced construction, fabric manipulation, and concept development.
• Specialty Categories
  • Recycled/Upcycled Fashion Use of reclaimed materials.
  • TechIntegrated Garments Incorporating LEDs, wearable tech, or smart fabrics.
  • Costume Design Theatrical or historical costumes.

Key Dates

How to Enter

1. Create a 4H account on the county website.
2. Complete the online registration form and pay the $25 entry fee (covers materials voucher and access to workshops).
3. Choose a category and age division.
4. Submit a design brief (250word concept, inspiration, and target audience) by the design deadline.
5. Attend at least one of the mandatory workshops either Pattern Drafting Basics or Sustainable Fabric Sourcing.
6. Construct the garment using the provided materials voucher (up to $75 in fabric/finding credits).
7. Upload highresolution photos of the finished piece and a short (1minute) video describing the design process.
8. Prepare a 2minute runway walk and be ready for a Q&A with the judges on the day of the Revue.

All entries must be the original work of the contestant. Collaboration with mentors is encouraged, but the final design must be credited to the 4H participant.

Judging Criteria & Prizes

Judging Criteria

• Creativity & Originality (30%) Fresh concepts, unique silhouettes.
• Technical Skill (25%) Seam quality, fit, finishing.
• Use of Materials (20%) Thoughtful fabric choice, sustainability.
• Presentation (15%) Runway confidence, storytelling.
• Community Impact (10%) Links to local culture, charitable angle.

Prizes

Each division awards Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals along with cash scholarships:

• Gold $500 scholarship + 4H pin + feature in the Sonoma County Gazette
• Silver $300 scholarship + 4H pin
• Bronze $150 scholarship + 4H pin
• Special Awards Best Upcycled Design, Innovation in Tech Fashion, and Peoples Choice (voted by the audience).

Resources for Participants

To help contestants succeed, the 4H office provides a range of free resources:

• Monthly workshops on pattern making, draping, and sustainable sourcing.
• Access to a shared sewing studio at the Santa Rosa Community Center (reserve online).
• Mentor directory local designers willing to give oneonone feedback.
• Sample budget sheets and material lists for each category.
• Online tutorial library (YouTube playlist) covering everything from basic stitches to LED integration.

Contact & Support

Questions? Reach out to the Fashion Revue coordinator:

• Email: fashionrevue@sonomacounty4h.org
• Phone: (707) 5551234 (MonFri, 9am5pm PST)
• Office: 2550 West County Center, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Follow the event on social media for updates, behindthescenes photos, and live streaming of the runway show:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter