FEBEN, IAMISIGO and Rave Review named as finalists for the Zalando Visionary Award 2025

• Zalando solidifies its dedication to supporting emerging designers with the third iteration of the Zalando Visionary Award, naming FEBEN, IAMISIGO and Rave Review as finalists for 2025.
• Three finalists will showcase their hero pieces at Copenhagen Fashion Week AW25 in January, where the jury will select and announce the Zalando Visionary Award 2025 winner.
• The winning brand will present their SS26 collection on the runway in August with Zalando’s continued support through financial assistance for the show production, facilitating mentorship opportunities and tailored industry connections.

BERLIN, NOVEMBER 19, 2024 // Zalando is thrilled to announce the three finalists for the 2025 Zalando Visionary Award: FEBEN (UK), IAMISIGO (Nigeria) and Rave Review (Sweden). The three brands will showcase their hero pieces from past collections in an exhibition format at Copenhagen Fashion Week AW25 in January, where the jury will select and announce the Zalando Visionary Award 2025 winner. The selected designer is set to present their SS26 collection on the runway in August.

The Zalando Visionary Award honours excellence in design, innovation, and social impact, aligned with Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Sustainability Requirements, the award underscores Zalando’s commitment to championing positive change in the industry. With previous winners like Paolina Russo and Sinéad O'Dwyer, the award continues to elevate designers who are reshaping the fashion landscape with bold, visionary approaches.

This year’s finalists were chosen by a jury of industry experts who will also go on to determine the winning brand in January:

• Edward Buchanan, Creative Director of SANSOVINO6 and Milano Fashion Director at Perfect Magazine
• Emma Matell, industry leading Casting Director
• Giuliano Calza, Founder & Creative Director of GCDS
• Herbert Hofmann, VP of Creative & Buying at Highsnobiety
• Anne Pascual SVP Design, Marketing and Content at Zalando SE

The finalist brands were selected for their dedication to reshaping fashion through bold creativity and commitment to inclusivity and design. Each brand challenges conventions, offering new perspectives on what it means to drive positive change in fashion. FEBEN, IAMISIGO and Rave Review all garnered praise from the jury for their distinct approaches:

• FEBEN, a London based brand, has quickly become known for its bold creations that fuse striking silhouettes with vibrant, optical-illusion prints. Founded by Ethiopian designer Feben, who grew up in Sweden, the brand draws inspiration from a global tapestry of influences, its innovative work is redefining contemporary fashion with a unique, visionary perspective.
• IAMISIGO, founded in Nigeria by Bubu Ogisi, pioneers innovation by blending heritage textiles with traditional craft techniques drawn from across Africa. The result is a collection of  contemporary designs with a bold, fresh perspective. IAMISIGO is redefining modern fashion while preserving cultural legacy.
• Rave Review is a Stockholm-based brand founded by Josephine Bergqvist and Livia Schückwith. Innovation is at the heart of their vision, with the brand breathing new life into deadstock and secondhand materials reflecting a fresh approach to design. Their commitments also extend to casting, ensuring diversity is represented in every collection.

Jury member Emma Matell, known for her work championing diversity and inclusion across the fashion industry, shared her enthusiasm: "Being on the jury of the Zalando Visionary Award is an honour. At this moment in time there are very few platforms like this for emerging designers that provide very real tangible help all the way through, it’s inspiring to see some of the best talent showcased in a context that pushes boundaries. Each shortlisted brand brings a unique perspective, whether in sustainability, craftsmanship, or social impact."

The Zalando Visionary Award 2025 winner, to be announced in January, will receive a €50,000 monetary award and production support for their SS26 showcase at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August. Beyond financial and production backing, the Zalando Visionary Award will also provide a program of mentorship and tailored resources designed to foster long-term development and industry connections. As part of the programme, jury member and GCDS Founder Giuliano Calza will lead an exclusive masterclass for the finalists, while Dio Kurazawa, founder of Bear Scouts, will serve as a dedicated mentor for the winning brand throughout the year, offering invaluable insights, industry knowledge and connections.

Anne Pascual, SVP Design, Marketing and Content at Zalando, shared her excitement for the upcoming season: “Fashion has the power to inspire change, and with the Zalando Visionary Award, we’re thrilled to support designers who are daring to push boundaries. Each of this year’s finalists bring fresh energy and bold ideas, and we’re excited to spotlight their unique perspective.”