Zalando Visionary Award 2026 Recognises INSTITUTION for Craftsmanship, Community Impact and Cultural Storytelling

Zalando Visionary Award 2026 Recognises INSTITUTION for Craftsmanship, Community Impact and Cultural Storytelling

(IN BRIEF) Zalando has awarded Milan-based brand INSTITUTION the Zalando Visionary Award 2026, recognising its social-artistic ethos, commitment to craftsmanship and dedication to preserving artisanal skills. Founded by Galib Gassanoff, the brand stood out among finalists KYLE HO and Milk of Lime for its clear vision and cultural storytelling. As part of the award, INSTITUTION will debut its SS27 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week with mentorship, casting and financial support from Zalando, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to nurturing emerging designers who drive meaningful change within the fashion industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 29-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Zalando, Europe’s leading fashion and lifestyle destination, has named Milan-based brand INSTITUTION as the winner of the Zalando Visionary Award 2026, recognising the label’s distinctive social-artistic approach, strong community engagement and commitment to preserving fading artisanal skills within the fashion industry. Founded by designer Galib Gassanoff and rooted in his Azerbaijani heritage, INSTITUTION operates beyond traditional fashion, combining craftsmanship, natural materials and cultural storytelling to deliver social impact alongside design innovation.

The announcement was made during Copenhagen Fashion Week AW26, where the three finalists — INSTITUTION, KYLE HO and Milk of Lime — were showcased through a curated exhibition highlighting each brand’s hero pieces. Selected by an international jury of industry experts, the finalists were recognised for their bold creative visions, forward-thinking design approaches and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Now in its fourth year, the Zalando Visionary Award continues to celebrate emerging designers who challenge established norms and contribute to a more responsible and inclusive fashion landscape. Closely aligned with Copenhagen Fashion Week’s sustainability requirements, the award reinforces Zalando’s commitment to supporting positive change through design excellence, innovation and cultural relevance.

Following the exhibition and a panel discussion hosted by mentor Giuliano Calza exploring culture and the future of fashion, the jury announced INSTITUTION as the 2026 winner during a celebratory dinner. Jury members consistently highlighted the brand’s refined craftsmanship and clarity of vision, noting Galib Gassanoff’s ability to merge global influences with deeply rooted cultural narratives.

As part of the award, INSTITUTION will present its Spring/Summer 2027 runway collection during the August edition of Copenhagen Fashion Week. Zalando will support the show with mentorship, casting direction led by Emma Matell and financial assistance for production. The brand will also receive mentorship from creative director and cultural advocate Edward Buchanan, along with a €50,000 cash prize and an additional €35,000 in funding dedicated to the runway presentation.

Through the Zalando Visionary Award, Zalando continues to empower the next generation of designers who are redefining fashion through purpose-driven creativity, ethical practice and cultural depth, helping shape a more progressive future for the industry.

SOURCE: Zalando