Zalando unveils finalists for the 2026 Visionary Award

Zalando has announced the finalists for the Zalando Visionary Award 2026: the three shortlisted labels are Institution (Italy), Kyle Ho (United Kingdom), and Milk of Lime (Belgium/Germany). This year’s nominees were selected by the jury for their visionary approaches to social engagement, innovation, and design. According to the jury, each label pushes creative boundaries and drives progress in the fashion industry.

The jury, comprising Edward Buchanan, Christiane Arp, Jeanie Annan-Lewin, and Sara Sozzani Maino, will announce the winning label on January 28 and present it with the Zalando Visionary Award 2026.

Beforehand, a select industry audience will have the opportunity to discover some of the finalists’ looks on site and meet the designers behind the labels during a panel discussion.

The discussion will be moderated by Giuliano Calza, founder and creative director of GCDS. The winning label will have the opportunity to present its spring/summer 2027 collection at a fashion show during Copenhagen Fashion Week in August.

All three labels were recognised by the jury for their distinctive approaches: Institution sees itself as an artistic and social organisation guided by ethical principles.

The label is rooted in the Azerbaijani heritage of designer Galib Gassanoff. Through craftsmanship, natural materials, and social engagement, Institution works to preserve endangered artisanal practices.

Kyle Ho, a London-based fashion label founded by Kyle Ho, specialises in contemporary tailoring. The brand’s designs challenge traditional menswear conventions with progressive silhouettes and innovative craftsmanship, redefining masculinity. With a focus on sophisticated design, the label continues to set the benchmark for a new generation.

Milk of Lime, founded by Julia Ballardt and Nico Verhaegen (graduates of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp), is a Belgian-German ready-to-wear label. The brand draws inspiration from the relationship between people and nature as well as traditional craftsmanship. With its “rural punk” attitude, it explores the poetic aspects of life. The collections combine natural fibres, couture techniques, and traditional elements to create a unique poetic language.

The winning label of the Zalando Visionary Award 2026 will receive prize money of 50,000 euros and financial support of 35,000 euros to stage a fashion show at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August.

In addition, the label will have access to individual mentoring from jury member Edward Buchanan as well as a masterclass with industry expert Giuliano Calza.

“I am delighted that we have selected these three finalists. With the Zalando Visionary Award, we want to honour fashion labels that show courage, challenge conventions and set new standards,” says Sara Spännar, VP marketing at Zalando.

“This year’s selection focuses on three voices that, with new perspectives and plenty of ambition, are changing the industry in the areas of design, innovation, and social engagement. I’m really looking forward to January, when the labels will have the opportunity to show even more of what they can do,” says Spännar.