Zalando returns to CPHFW for the third Visionary Award

• The third iteration of the Zalando Visionary Award honoured 2025 winner IAMISIGO, reaffirming Zalando's commitment to celebrating designers driving fashion forward through bold design, innovation, and social impact
• The celebrations included IAMISIGO’s CPHFW debut runway show and a Zalando Visionary Award Dinner with industry leaders, featuring a live performance by American singer Kelela followed by a creative re-see
• Applications for the Zalando Visionary Award 2026 are now open until October 3rd, calling on bold, values driven brands shaping the future of fashion to apply

BERLIN, AUGUST 7, 2025 // Yesterday Zalando, a leading European online destination for fashion and lifestyle, celebrated Zalando Visionary Award 2025 winner IAMISIGO with a runway show and dedicated dinner at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Now in its third year, the award reflects Zalando’s commitment to supporting emerging designers who challenge conventions and inspire progress in the fashion industry.

Nigerian based brand IAMISIGO, selected in January for its distinct voice and commitment to blending ethical sourcing and community empowerment, made its Copenhagen Fashion Week debut with its SS26 runway show Dual Mandate. Rooted in the four vibrating dimensions; body, mind, spirit and emotion, the collection unfolds as a multisensory experience. Grounding fibres - cotton sourced from Uganda and Kenya, sisal from Tanzania, raffia and jute from Nigeria - pull energy inward, anchoring the garments. In contrast, luminous elements such as metal and glass from Kenya and repurposed plastics from Nigeria radiate outward, tuning the wearer like an ancient instrument caught between past and future.

After the runway show, Zalando hosted a celebratory dinner, bringing together industry leaders and fashion change makers for an evening of connection and creativity - with a live performance from American artist Kelela. The following morning Zalando invited guests to attend a re-see of IAMISIGO's runway collection, offering deeper exploration of the collection’s narrative and craftsmanship, as well as the raw, locally sourced materials used to create the intricate hand woven designs.

To further amplify the brand story, Zalando produced a documentary delving into the work of Zalando Visionary Award winner IAMISIGO. Filmed across Nigeria, Kenya, and Copenhagen, "Zalando Visionary Award Presents: IAMISIGO", offers an intimate look into Bubu Ogisi’s creative world, revealing the meticulous handcrafting techniques and cultural narratives that define the brand’s bold aesthetic.

Zalando Visionary Award 2026 applications now open

Applications for the Zalando Visionary Award 2026 are now open until October 3rd, calling on bold, values driven brands shaping the future of fashion to apply. Finalists will be shortlisted by an international jury of industry thought leaders, with the winner awarded a monetary prize of 50,000 euros and additional 35,000 euros for a tailor-made show production at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Beyond financial backing, Zalando is supporting the winner with mentorship opportunities, tailored business development resources and access to key industry networks. 

For more information about the Zalando Visionary Award and to apply, click here.

About the Zalando Visionary Award

The Zalando Visionary Award, established by Zalando in 2023, recognises the makers of the future by putting the spotlight on designers and brands with a visionary approach to creating meaningful change within the fashion industry and beyond. To be considered, brands must show how they are driving meaningful change in one or more of the three pillars, whilst also meeting Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Sustainability Requirements. An international jury of industry thought leaders and Zalando representatives selects the winner.

For more information about the award visit:  https://corporate.zalando.com/en/about-us/what-we-do/zalando-visionary-…