Design School 
AI × Costume Design Competition 2025
The Fifth Element: Envisioning the Future of Human Environment
Organised by XJTLU Design School | Submission Deadline: 31 January, 2026
Theme
Inspired by?the movie “The Fifth Element”, this competition invites students to explore how?future architecture, technology, and human emotion?can merge through costume design. Participants will reinterpret the film’s vision of the future and express it through creative fashion that embodies the relationship between humans and their evolving environments.
Concept
Each team will conceptualise and design a?futuristic costume?that reflects a new vision of humanity and spatial culture. The process integrates?AI-assisted design,?sketching,?pattern making, and?performance movement?developed from the?Ballet and Expression Workshop.
The final garments will be?showcased by the students during the?Architecture Futures Party, followed by an end-of-semester DJ celebration.
Participation
- Form a?group of 2–4 students.
- Each group must?select one mentor from the Design School tutor group.
- Interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.
Submission Requirements (by 31 January, 2026)
Each team must submit:
1. Concept Sketches:
- Several design sketches showing costume ideas.
- Include?colour palettes, materials, and fabric texture indications.
- Annotate with conceptual keywords linking to the film’s themes.
2. AI Renderings:
- Use AI tools (e.g., XIPU AI, Doubao, Midjourney, DALL·E) to visualise the atmosphere, style, and spatial context of the costume.
- Write your prompt and add to the submission.
3. Production Pattern:
- Simple technical pattern with?size measurements for garment making.
- Must be ready for seamstress production.
4. Design Development Documentation:
- Visual record of idea evolution: initial sketches, AI explorations, mentor feedback, and material selection.
Fabrication & Performance
- Costumes will be produced based on submitted designs. It can be made by the group.
- The final presentation will be part of the Architecture Futures Party, showcasing Al-driven creativity and embodied design.
- Students will wear their own creations at the Architecture Futures Party.
- The group can make the costumes out of any materials.
Awards
- Best Futuristic Costume Design
- Best AI Integration in Fashion Concept
- Best Performance Presentation
Prize and exhibition features will be awarded.
Final Showcase
Architecture Futures Party
End of Semester | Venue: XJTLU Design School Atrium
Celebrating creativity, performance, and design innovation with a live DJ.
Submission
Poster template download link:
https://box.gdsqbz.com/d/6bab5327d7614a28b0d0/
Upload your group’s portfolio and poster (PDF) to the event link [https://box.gdsqbz.com/u/d/c259c6e18bd64ef68002/] by 31 January, 2026
Contact
Organiser: MinJoo Baek (XJTLU Architecture) for questions.
Minjoo.baek@gdsqbz.com
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