Zalando and VORN Launch New Design Academy Program to Advance Digital Grading and Inclusive Fashion

Zalando and VORN Launch New Design Academy Program to Advance Digital Grading and Inclusive Fashion

(IN BRIEF) Zalando has launched the fifth edition of its Design Academy, challenging 100 designers to rethink clothing fit through digital grading and inclusive design practices. In partnership with VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub, the 16-week program focuses on equipping emerging designers with tools such as 3D design software from CLO to create garments that better reflect diverse body types. By combining technology, education, and collaboration, the initiative aims to improve inclusivity in fashion while also reducing waste and returns associated with poor fit.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 13-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Zalando has launched the fifth edition of its Design Academy, inviting 100 designers to rethink one of fashion’s most persistent challenges: achieving the “perfect fit.” The initiative, organized in collaboration with VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub, places size inclusivity and digital grading at the center of its curriculum, aiming to reshape how garments are designed for diverse body types.

The program addresses a longstanding issue within the fashion industry, where traditional sizing systems rely on limited, standardized body models that fail to reflect real-world diversity. Through this edition of the Academy, Zalando is encouraging designers to move beyond outdated conventions and adopt more inclusive, technology-driven approaches to garment creation.

Since its introduction in 2022, the Design Academy has focused on fostering innovation, collaboration, and education among emerging designers and young brands. Over a 16-week period, participants gain access to industry expertise, professional networks, and technical tools designed to help them develop forward-looking solutions for modern fashion challenges.

A central element of this year’s program is digital grading—the technical process of adapting a garment design across a full size range while maintaining proper proportions and fit. Unlike simple scaling, grading requires precise adjustments to ensure that garments fit consistently across different body shapes without compromising design integrity.

To support this learning, participants will use advanced 3D garment design software developed by CLO. The platform allows designers to visualize clothing on digital avatars representing a wide variety of body types, enabling them to test fit and proportions virtually. By identifying tension points and fit issues early in the design process, designers can refine their creations without producing multiple physical samples.

The Academy provides a structured learning experience that includes foundational training as well as advanced sessions on digital design and grading techniques. Participants also receive full access to the CLO software throughout the program, ensuring they can apply these tools effectively in their projects.

Lara Gesche, Social Impact Specialist at Zalando, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative, noting that the program is shifting the focus from purely aesthetic considerations to functional inclusivity. She emphasized that digital grading empowers designers to create garments that work for a wider range of customers, supporting a more inclusive and sustainable fashion ecosystem.

Beyond inclusivity, the approach also contributes to sustainability goals. By reducing the need for physical prototypes and minimizing returns caused by poor fit, digital design processes can help lower waste across the fashion supply chain.

Applications for the program are open from April 13 to May 20, with 100 places available. Designers interested in combining creativity with technical innovation are encouraged to apply through the VORN platform and take part in shaping a more inclusive future for fashion.

About Zalando

Founded in Berlin in 2008, Zalando is the leading European technology platform for fashion and lifestyle. Connecting 62 million active customers with more than 7,000 brands across 29 markets, our operations are built on a unique AI-powered data and infrastructure platform. For our customers, our multi-app approach – comprising Zalando, ABOUT YOU, and Lounge by Zalando – delivers an inspiring, highly personalised shopping experience, serving different customers with different needs. For our partners, we are building the operating system for e-commerce. Through ZEOS, Tradebyte, and SCAYLE, we open our logistics, software, and service capabilities to brands and retailers, enabling them to seamlessly scale their businesses across borders.

For further information, please visit: corporate.zalando.com/en

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications
press@zalando.com

SOURCE: Zalando