Design Academy
Design Academy
Launched in 2022, the Design Academy is Zalando’s flagship Social Impact programme, created to drive positive change in the fashion industry through education, collaboration, and innovation. Developed by Zalando’s Social Impact team in partnership with VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub, the Academy connects emerging designers and young brands with industry experts, providing the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to develop more sustainable and forward-thinking solutions.
Each year, the programme focuses on a specific innovation area — chosen for its relevance, impact potential, and alignment with Zalando’s expertise. Designers take part in a blended learning journey combining remote and in-person sessions, moving through three phases:
Remote Learning & Concept Development – An eight-week e-learning programme for up to 100 designers, covering topics such as sustainable design strategies, branding, business modelling, and advanced 3D technologies.
Design Sprint & Prototyping – The top 10 concepts, selected by an expert jury, are brought to life through intensive training, mentorship, and hands-on creation.
Showcase at Berlin Fashion Week – Final pieces are unveiled on an international stage, connecting designers with industry leaders and audiences.
By blending theory, practice, and community, the Design Academy empowers the next generation of fashion innovators to address the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Learn more about the past editions
Pilot (2022)
The inaugural pilot welcomed Berlin-based designers to explore sustainability and circularity in fashion. Working in small teams, they created three striking art pieces to spark awareness about sustainable practices in the industry.
LOOM (2023)
Our second edition, LOOM, explored circular designer luxury with a focus on quality and longevity. Designers from across Europe developed collections blending physical and digital fashion, co-creation, and size-adjustability, applying circular design principles to create garments made from long-lasting, resource-conscious materials. Their work was showcased both physically and in a virtual showroom at Berlin Fashion Week.
ADAPT (2024)
ADAPT centred on inclusive, adaptive fashion co-created with members of the Disabled community. Designers collaborated directly with community partners to develop functional yet expressive garments - from trench coats for wheelchair users to lingerie designed for prosthesis wearers - combining style with accessibility.
NOVA (2025)
The fourth edition, NOVA, focuses on cutting-edge material innovation as a driver of sustainable transformation. Finalists are experimenting with pioneering textiles to create forward-thinking designs that respond to shifting technologies, rising sustainability standards, and evolving industry regulations.
