INSTITUTION wins the Zalando Visionary Award 2026

• INSTITUTION, based in Milan, is crowned winner of the Zalando Visionary Award 2026 for its social-artistic approach, community engagement and commitment to preserve fading artisanal skills in fashion
• During Copenhagen Fashion Week in August, INSTITUTION will present their SS27 runway collection supported by mentorship, casting and financial assistance for the show production from Zalando 
• The Zalando Visionary Award continues to reinforce its commitment to empower the next generation of designers who are actively redefining industry standards and driving meaningful progress within the fashion landscape

BERLIN, 29 JANUARY, 2026 // Zalando is delighted to announce INSTITUTION as the winner of the Zalando Visionary Award 2026, a brand that operates as a social-artistic organization with an ethical foundation. Founded by Galib Gassanoff in Italy, INSTITUTION is rooted in the designer’s Azerbaijani heritage. It extends beyond fashion using craftsmanship that reimagines traditional methods, natural materials, and community engagement to foster social impact while preserving fading artisanal skills.

The three 2026 finalists INSTITUTION, KYLE HO and Milk of Lime were selected by the international jury of industry experts. Chosen for reflecting bold, forward-thinking approaches to fashion, their clarity of vision and pushing the boundaries of creativity and social impact in their communities.  

Now in its fourth year, the Zalando Visionary Award continues to honour excellence in design, innovation, and social impact. Aligned with Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Sustainability requirements, the award also underscores Zalando’s commitment to championing positive change in the industry.

During Copenhagen Fashion Week AW26 [28 January 2026], an exhibition was held to showcase the finalists’ hero pieces in a curated display of three designs, capturing each brand’s unique aesthetic and vision. Giuliano Calza, mentor to the brands, hosted a panel talk conversation on culture and the future of fashion with a deep dive into their wider inspiration. Following the showcase, the Zalando Visionary Award jury announced INSTITUTION as the winner during a celebratory dinner.

The consensus from the jury repeatedly highlighted the clear vision and refined craftsmanship of INSTITUTION. Galib Gassanoff’s global mindset confidently delivers extraordinary designs while embracing inspiration from diverse cultural backgrounds, aligning closely with the award’s aim to open new spaces for emerging designers and inject the fashion industry with fresh perspectives.

Jury member and VP of Brand & Creative at Zalando, Sara Spännar said: “I am happy to congratulate INSTITUTION as the winner of the Zalando Visionary Award. Galib’s determination to craftsmanship while bringing together his cultural experiences was the proof point that tipped the scales. On behalf of the team at Zalando we look forward to seeing how INSTITUTION continues the momentum of working towards a more inclusive and innovative industry.”

INSTITUTION founder, Galib Gassanoff, celebrated by saying “I believe in sharing my brand with the world and I am grateful whenever this project is recognized as a valuable one. I wish to thank the people who have supported my vision since its inception and help me build it all the way.”

INSTITUTION is set to debut their SS27 collection in a runway show during the August edition of Copenhagen Fashion Week with the support of Zalando and casting director, Emma Matell. They will receive mentorship from experienced jury member, creative director and cultural advocate, Edward Buchanan, in addition to a cash prize of €50,000 and €35,000 in monetary support towards show production.

Jury members for the Zalando Visionary Award 2026 are:

Christiane Arp, Former Editor-In-Chief of Vogue Germany
Edward Buchanan, Creative Director and Cultural Advocate
Jeanie Annan-Lewin, Contributing Fashion Editor at British Vogue
Sara Spännar, VP of Brand & Creative at Zalando
Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director of the Fondazione Sozzani

About the finalists for the Zalando Visionary Award 2026:

INSTITUTION, a creative project established by Galib Gassanoff, operates as a social-artistic organisation with an ethical foundation. Rooted in the designer’s Azerbaijani heritage, the project extends beyond fashion, using craftsmanship, natural materials, and community engagement to preserve fading artisanal skills.

KYLE HO, a London-based fashion brand, founded by Kyle Ho, specialising in contemporary tailoring. Founded to challenge the traditional conventions of menswear, it redefines masculinity through progressive silhouettes and innovative craftsmanship. With a global outlook and dedication to refined design, the brand continues to push boundaries for a new generation.

Milk of Lime, a Belgo-German ready-to-wear label, founded by Julia Ballardt and Nico Verhaegen, both alumni of the Royal Academy in Antwerp. Built on humankind’s relationship to nature and collaborative craftsmanship, the brand explores the poetic corners of life through its “rural punk” narrative. Its collections blend natural fibers, couture techniques, and raw elements to create a distinctive sense of sartorial poetry.