Zalando Renews Strategic Partnership With Copenhagen Fashion Week

Zalando is proud to announce the extension of its partnership with Copenhagen Fashion Week as strategic partner for the next three years, 2024-2026. The partnership will continue to shine a spotlight on and support brands that share the same values and vision for the future of fashion, supporting them to create meaningful change, while recognising industry change makers.

The continuation of the partnership, which first began in 2020, proves an ongoing commitment towards shaping a more responsible fashion industry. It also signifies the joint commitment to those who are driving this positive change – the designers and creators whose work goes beyond fabric and form as they demonstrate a new approach to fashion.

The Zalando Sustainability Award was at the heart of the strategic partnership from 2020 until 2023, giving a platform to over 15 designers on the runway at Copenhagen Fashion Week and awarding talents such as STAMM and Nikolaj Storm Copenhagen among others.

What’s the Zalando Visionary Award?

Following three successful years of the Zalando Sustainability Award, the concept of the award evolved further in April 2023 as Zalando launched the Zalando Visionary Award for SS24. The new award recognizes the makers of the future, enabling designers to showcase their dedication to design and creativity, innovation and positive social impact as well as their sustainability efforts.

“With every stride we take, our aim is to help shape a different future where the fashion industry is bolder and more innovative. Together with Copenhagen Fashion Week we’re passionate about moving the fashion industry to a better place and we’re proud of the impact it has had already and will continue to have through the Zalando Visionary Award.”
Lena-Sophie Röper, Director of Designer & Luxury at Zalando

How often does the award take place?

The award will now run annually in August, with one winning brand receiving a slot on the official Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer season schedule as well as a monetary prize and additional support for show production. Applications for the SS25 Zalando Visionary Award SS25 will open in early 2024 and will require applicants to demonstrate how they are making waves in one or more of the following pillars: Creativity and Design, Social Impact and Innovation. Brands applying for the Zalando Visionary Award must also comply with Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Minimum Standards in order to be eligible for the official show schedule.

London-based brand Paolina Russo was announced as the winner of the first Zalando Visionary Award this summer and co-creative directors Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard debuted their first runway collection during the SS24 season of Copenhagen Fashion Week. They demonstrated their visionary approach and dedication to innovation through a vibrant and versatile knitwear collection that combined artisan techniques with industrialized manufacturing; bridging the gap between heritage craftsmanship and technology to push the boundaries of design.