- Zalando reaffirms its commitment to supporting emerging designers in the third edition of the Zalando Visionary Award, naming FEBEN, IAMISIGO, and Rave Review as finalists for 2025.
- The three finalists will showcase their signature pieces at Copenhagen Fashion Week AW25 in January, where the jury will select and announce the winner of the Zalando Visionary Award 2025.
- The winning brand will present its SS26 collection on the runway in August, benefiting from Zalando’s ongoing support through financial assistance for show production, mentorship opportunities, and tailored industry connections.
BERLIN, NOVEMBER 26, 2024 // Zalando proudly announces the three finalists for the Zalando Visionary Award 2025: FEBEN (UK), IAMISIGO (Nigeria), and Rave Review (Sweden). The three brands will exhibit iconic pieces from their previous collections in an exhibition format at Copenhagen Fashion Week AW25 this January, where the jury will select and announce the winner of the Zalando Visionary Award 2025. The chosen designer will unveil their SS26 collection on the runway in August.
The Zalando Visionary Award celebrates excellence in design, innovation, and social impact, aligning with Copenhagen Fashion Week’s sustainability requirements. The award emphasizes Zalando’s commitment to driving positive change in the fashion industry. With previous winners such as Paolina Russo and Sinéad O’Dwyer, the prize continues to highlight designers who are reshaping the fashion landscape through bold and visionary approaches.
This year’s finalists were selected by a panel of industry experts who will also determine the winning brand in January:
- Edward Buchanan, Creative Director of SANSOVINO6 & Milan Fashion Director of Perfect Magazine
- Emma Matell, industry-leading Casting Director
- Giuliano Calza, Founder & Creative Director of GCDS
- Herbert Hofmann, VP of Creative & Buying at Highsnobiety
- Anne Pascual, SVP Design, Marketing & Content at Zalando SE
The finalists were chosen for their dedication to redefining fashion through creativity, courage, and a commitment to inclusivity and design. Each brand goes beyond the conventional, offering fresh perspectives on driving positive change in fashion. FEBEN, IAMISIGO, and Rave Review earned praise from the jury for their distinctive approaches:
- FEBEN, based in London, has quickly gained recognition for bold creations that combine striking silhouettes with vibrant, illusionary prints. Founded by Feben, an Ethiopian-born designer raised in Sweden, the brand draws inspiration from a global mosaic of influences. Her innovative work redefines contemporary fashion through a unique and visionary lens.
- IAMISIGO, founded in Nigeria by Bubu Ogisi, innovates by blending traditional textiles with artisanal techniques from across Africa. The result is a collection of contemporary designs with a bold and fresh perspective. IAMISIGO redefines modern fashion while preserving cultural heritage.
- Rave Review, based in Stockholm and founded by Josephine Bergqvist and Livia Schückwith, centers its vision on innovation, breathing new life into deadstock or second-hand materials. This approach reflects their original take on design, with a strong commitment to diversity thoughtfully represented in every collection.
Emma Matell, a jury member known for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry, shared her enthusiasm:
“It’s an honor to be part of the Zalando Visionary Award jury. At this moment, there are very few platforms of this kind for emerging designers that offer tangible and meaningful support throughout the entire process. It’s inspiring to see some of the best talents showcased in a context that pushes boundaries. Each selected brand brings a unique perspective, whether through sustainability, craftsmanship, or social impact.”
The winner of the Zalando Visionary Award 2025, to be announced in January, will receive a financial prize of €50,000 and support for the production of their SS26 presentation at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August. Alongside financial and production backing, the Zalando Visionary Award includes a mentorship program and tailored resources aimed at long-term growth and industry connections. As part of the program, jury member and GCDS founder Giuliano Calza will host an exclusive masterclass for the finalists, while Dio Kurazawa, founder of Bear Scouts, will serve as the winning brand’s dedicated mentor throughout the year, providing valuable insights, industry knowledge, and networking opportunities.
Anne Pascual, SVP Design, Marketing & Content at Zalando, expressed her excitement for the upcoming season:
“Fashion has the power to inspire change, and with the Zalando Visionary Award, we are thrilled to support designers who dare to push boundaries. Each of this year’s finalists brings fresh energy and bold ideas, and we are excited to spotlight their unique perspectives.”
#Zalando
