Zalando has revealed the finalists for the Zalando Visionary Award 2026: Institution (Italy), KYLE HO (UK) and Milk of Lime (Belgium/Germany).
The jury carefully selected this year's finalist brands based on their visionary approach to award pillars of social impact, innovation, and design. Each brand pushes the boundaries of creativity while highlighting the role fashion can play in driving cultural and industry progress.
Guests will have the opportunity to see a curated selection of the finalist brands’ looks and learn more during a panel talk hosted by Giuliano Calza, founder and creative director of GCDS.
Institution, KYLE HO and Milk of Lime all garnered praise from the jury for their distinct approaches.
- 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, was founded by Kyle Ho and specialises 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, was 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.
The Zalando Visionary Award honours excellence in design, innovation, and social impact, and aligns with Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Sustainability requirements.
With previous winners like Paolina Russo, Sinéad O'Dwyer and IAMISIGO, the award continues to elevate and support designers who are reshaping the fashion landscape with bold, visionary and fresh approaches.
Joining Edward Buchanan, Creative Director and Cultural Advocate in the jury is a new set of industry experts who selected this year's finalists and will go on to decide the winning brand in January. These include Christiane Arp, former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Germany; Jeanie Annan-Lewin, Contributing Fashion Editor at British Vogue; Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director of the Fondazione Sozzani; and Sara Spännar, VP Marketing at Zalando.
"As a jury, we’ve selected three finalists, each with an incredibly unique story to share. Their work is deeply connected to the heritage of their brands and expressed through collections that feel both thoughtfully conceived and beautifully executed," said Maino.
"What truly stood out is their clarity of vision and their unwavering commitment to staying true to their brand DNA. I’m genuinely excited to see how they continue to push the boundaries of innovation, strengthen their social impact, and channel their creativity through design all while carrying their powerful narratives forward into January."
At the same time, Spännar added that with the Zalando Visionary Award, they want to champion brands that dare to be different, challenge conventions, and push boundaries.
"This year's selection highlights three distinct voices, each bringing a fresh perspective and ambition in how to drive the industry forward within design, innovation and social impact. I am really looking forward to January, when the brands will be able to showcase even more."
The jury will announce the recipient of the Zalando Visionary Award 2026 on the 28th of January. The winning brand will debut its SS27 collection with a runway show during August's Copenhagen Fashion Week.
