Zalando Visionary Award 2026

The Zalando Visionary Award is based on three pillars: design, social impact and innovation. To be eligible for the award, applicants need to demonstrate how they are making waves in one or more of the following pillars in addition to fulfilling Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Sustainability Requirements. The applications will be evaluated and the winner will be determined by an international jury consisting of industry thought leaders and representatives from Zalando in addition to a review by the Copenhagen Fashion Week show committee.

• Design: brands with a unique aesthetic that is reflecting their identity and individuality. Their designs hold a contemporary relevance that resonates with the current cultural, social, and market context of the fashion industry.
• Innovation: brands that apply innovative techniques and practices in order to produce forward-thinking collections. This might include sourcing new materials, introducing unconventional dying techniques or incorporating advanced technology into their supply chain.
• Social impact: brands that are driving diversity, equity and inclusion within their business operations, marketing and product assortment. They advocate for social change and positively influence the well-being of marginalised communities.

It is with great pleasure and excitement that Zalando invites you to submit an application to be considered for the Zalando Visionary Award 2026. The Zalando Visionary Award will run across CPHFW in January (finalist showcase and winner announcement) and August (winner runway show) of Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Please note that you must be able to attend CPHFW in January 2026 and August 2026 (if successful).

Please be aware that Zalando can only accept applications from apparel brands and not pure accessory, kidswear or swimwear brands.

If you would like to be considered for the CPHFW AW26 show schedule in January regardless of the outcome of your Zalando Visionary Award 2026 application, please fill out the official CPHFW application form before 3 October 2025 in addition to the Zalando Visionary Award application.

January 2026

Three successful finalists will receive the below for the finalist showcase in January at Copenhagen Fashion Week AW26 Edition:

Production Support:

• Zalando will support the three finalists with set design for the finalist showcase

Travel and Hospitality:

• Return flights to Copenhagen for winner and +1
• Hotel for winner and +1

The prize

August 2026

The winning brand will be awarded:

• A monetary prize of 50.000 Euro
• A six month mentorship with a relevant industry expert

Production Support:

Zalando will secure the following to support the winning brand in the production process in the lead up to CPHFW:

• Show venue in Copenhagen
• Production and guest management agency
• Basic set design (eg. light, sound, runway and seats)
• Backstage catering
• Photographer
• Videographer

The winner will receive 35.000 Euro as additional support in production costs for the show production which must cover the following expenses that the winning brand will be in charge of

• Models
• Hair and make-up
• Backstage coordinator
• Showcall manager
• Additional production manager (if needed)
• Choreographer
• Music and music rights
• Additional set design to suit the brand’s needs

As part of the show production Zalando will appoint a project manager to the winning brand to help support with the planning process.
The successful brand will be announced during CPHFW in January 2026.

All brands applying for the award must comply with the Copenhagen Fashion Week's Sustainability Requirements as the winning brand must fulfill these requirements to showcase at CPHFW and be eligible for the award.

• The Zalando Visionary Award application form needs to be filled out and submitted no later than 3 October 2025.
• In addition to filling out the Zalando Visionary Award application form, all brands will also be required to fill out a Sustainability Requirements Survey to ensure compliance with Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Minimum Standards. The deadline to submit the survey to Copenhagen Fashion Week is 3 October 2025.
• Based on the submitted application information and Sustainability Survey, the jury and CPHFW show committee will select three finalists to be invited to CPHFW in January where the jury will announce the winner of the Zalando Visionary Award 2026.
• The three finalists will take part in a finalist showcase during CPHFW in January, giving each finalist the opportunity to introduce themselves and the vision behind their brand.
• The winner of the Zalando Visionary Award will be part of Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Official Show & Presentation Schedule for SS27 and be required to produce a runway show to take place in August 2026 in Copenhagen.

Applications for the 2026 Zalando Visionary Award are now closed.

Zalando is thrilled to announce IAMISIGO as the winner of the 2025 Zalando Visionary Award, a pioneering brand that blends heritage textiles with traditional craft techniques drawn from across Africa. Founded by Bubu Ogisi in Nigeria, IAMISIGO redefines modern fashion while preserving cultural legacy; the result is a compilation of contemporary designs with a bold, fresh perspective. As part of the winning prize, IAMISIGO presented their SS26 runway show at CPHFW in August 2025.

As winner of the award, Sinéad O’Dwyer received a €50,000 prize and presented her collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2024, with additional support from Zalando for the show production to highlight their inspiring dedication to diversity and innovation.

As the winner of the award, Paolina Russo received a prize of €50,000 and showcased their collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2023 as part of the official show schedule. Zalando provided monetary support for show production to bring Paolina Russo’s vision to the runway, spotlighting the brand’s commitment to creating a collection of the future.