Zalando launches Visionary Award at Copenhagen Fashion Week

• Zalando invites international brands to apply for the Zalando Visionary Award at Copenhagen Fashion Week with application deadline of May 2, 2023 
• The Zalando Visionary Award recognizes the makers of the fashion future and enables designers to showcase their dedication to creativity, innovation and positive social impact in addition to their sustainability efforts

BERLIN, APRIL 17, 2023 // Zalando, a leading European online platform for fashion and lifestyle, continues its partnership with Copenhagen Fashion Week for the SS24 season. Following a successful three years of the Zalando Sustainability Award, the concept evolves further as Zalando launches the Zalando Visionary Award recognizing the makers of the future, enabling designers to showcase not only their sustainability efforts but also their dedication to design and creativity, innovation and positive social impact, supporting them to make meaningful change within the fashion industry. The applications are now open with a deadline for brands to apply on May 2, 2023.

Lena Sophie Röper, Director of Designer & Luxury at Zalando says: “With the Zalando Visionary Award we want to champion brands that share Zalando’s values and put the spotlight on initiatives that positively contribute to the fashion industry. Broadening the scope of the award with the new pillars of creativity and design, social impact and innovation provides a unique opportunity to explore multiple aspects of each brand’s DNA. I am excited to see how brands are challenging themselves and looking forward to yet another inspiring season of Copenhagen Fashion Week ahead.”

The Zalando Visionary Award is based on three pillars: creativity and 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:

• Creativity and Design: a standout visual aesthetic reflecting the brand’s identity and individuality, brought to life from vision/ concept to reality through design, prints, patterns and textiles while capturing the zeitgeist.
• Social Impact: driving diversity, equity and inclusion within their company, advertising campaigns and assortment. Engaging in meaningful conversations, for instance by contributing to social causes, advocating for transparency or amplifying different communities.
• Innovation: the use and championing of innovative production techniques in order to produce forward-thinking collections. Innovative production techniques can include sourcing new materials, introducing new dying techniques and incorporating cutting-edge technology into their supply chain – showcasing the future of fashion.

The winner will be chosen by an international jury consisting of industry thought leaders, representatives from Zalando, and the Copenhagen Fashion Week show committee. The winner will become part of Copenhagen Fashion Week’s show schedule for SS24, which will take place on August 8-11, and receive a prize of 50.000 Euros as well as monetary support for show production.

Brands can enter the application round by filling in the application form here.

Read more about the award here.