INSTITUTION WINS ZALANDO VISIONARY AWARD 2026

Zalando

Summary:

• INSTITUTION, founded in Italy by Galib Gassanoff, wins Zalando Visionary Award 2026 for social and artistic approach to fashion
• The brand will present SS27 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August with mentorship and financial support
• Prize includes 50,000 euros and 35,000 euros for show production, plus mentorship from Edward Buchanan

Zalando announced INSTITUTION as the winner of its 2026 Visionary Award. The brand, founded in Italy by designer Galib Gassanoff, operates as a socio-artistic organization with focus on preserving artisan skills in decline.

The award comes in its fourth year. Three finalists competed for the prize: INSTITUTION, KYLE HO, and Milk of Lime. An international jury of industry experts selected them based on their approach to design and social impact in their communities.

Gassanoff roots his work in Azerbaijani cultural heritage. The brand uses natural materials and artisan techniques while working within local communities. This approach supports craftspeople whose traditional skills face decline in the fashion industry.

During Copenhagen Fashion Week AW26 on January 28, 2026, organizers held an exhibition showing pieces from all three finalists. Giuliano Calza, mentor to the brands, led a roundtable discussion about culture and fashion's future. The jury announced the winner at a dinner following the presentations.

Sara Spännar, VP of Brand and Creative at Zalando and jury member, spoke about the decision. She noted Gassanoff's commitment to craftsmanship and his ability to integrate different cultural experiences as key factors in the selection.

The jury included 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, and Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani, along with Spännar.

INSTITUTION will present its SS27 collection during Copenhagen Fashion Week in August. Zalando provides support through mentorship with casting director Emma Matell. Edward Buchanan will mentor the brand. The prize includes 50,000 euros plus 35,000 euros for show production costs.

Zalando

Gassanoff responded to the win by expressing gratitude to those who supported his vision from early stages. He spoke about believing in sharing his brand with a wider audience.

The other two finalists bring distinct perspectives to fashion. KYLE HO, based in London and founded by Kyle Ho, specializes in contemporary tailoring. The brand challenges traditional menswear conventions through new silhouettes and advanced craftsmanship techniques. Its focus stays on refined design while pushing boundaries for a new generation.

Milk of Lime comes from Belgian-German founders Julia Ballardt and Nico Verhaegen, both former students at Royal Academy of Antwerp. The ready-to-wear label builds its identity around human relationships with nature and collaborative craftsmanship. Collections combine natural fibers with couture techniques and raw elements, creating what they describe as sartorial poetry with a rural punk narrative.

The Zalando Visionary Award program continues supporting designers who work outside conventional fashion industry standards. The award aligns with Copenhagen Fashion Week's sustainability requirements. Zalando states the prize reflects their commitment to positive change in the fashion sector.

The award focuses on designers who demonstrate clear vision, innovation in design, and measurable social impact. This year's finalists all showed strong community engagement and approaches to preserving or advancing craft traditions.

INSTITUTION's win highlights a growing interest in brands that connect cultural heritage with contemporary design. The brand's structure as a socio-artistic organization sets it apart from traditional fashion labels. Its work preserves specific artisan techniques while creating commercial collections.

Gassanoff's global mindset translates into designs that pull from multiple cultural contexts. The jury noted this approach matches the award's goal of opening space for emerging designers who bring new perspectives to fashion.

The brand will now prepare for its runway debut in August. With financial backing and mentorship support, INSTITUTION enters a new phase of development. The runway show at Copenhagen Fashion Week will mark the first time the brand presents a full collection in this format.

The prize money allows for investment in production infrastructure and team expansion. The mentorship provides access to industry knowledge and connections that independent designers often lack. Casting support from Matell ensures professional presentation standards for the runway show.

Copenhagen Fashion Week has become a platform for brands focused on sustainability and social responsibility. The August edition will showcase INSTITUTION alongside other labels working within these frameworks. The timing gives the brand several months to develop the collection and prepare for the show.

For Gassanoff, the award validates years of work building a brand with specific ethical foundations. The recognition from industry experts and the financial support create opportunities to scale operations while maintaining the artisan focus that defines INSTITUTION's identity.

The Visionary Award continues evolving as a program that identifies designers before they reach mainstream recognition. Previous winners have used the platform to expand their reach while staying true to their original vision. INSTITUTION joins this group at a moment when fashion audiences show increased interest in brands with clear values and transparent production methods.