Xueling Chen Wins Inaugural Pull&Bear Photography Prize
The Central Saint Martins graduate earned the award during the 41st Hyères Festival.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Fashion
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Photographer Xueling Chen has been named the winner of the first-ever Fashion Photography Prize by Pull&Bear. The announcement was made at the 41st Hyères Festival.
Why it matters
The prize recognizes emerging talent and marks a significant achievement for Chen as she explores themes of womanhood. The award serves to highlight her distinct visual style and recent artistic evolution.
Chen received €20,000 in prize money for her win at the 41st Hyères Festival. She previously worked as a fashion photographer in Shanghai for over two years.
The players
Xueling Chen
She is an artist and fashion photographer who previously studied Fashion Image at Central Saint Martins.
Pull&Bear
It is a global fashion retailer that sponsored the inaugural photography prize at the festival.
The details
Chen creates her distinctive images using a blend of film and digital photography, often favoring direct flash, saturated colors, and grainy textures. Her work includes the photobook City Blue, which reflects her focus on everyday human interactions and emotions.
Timeline
October 2026: Award presented at the 41st Hyères Festival.
Culture Shift
The Hyères Festival remains a cornerstone for emerging talent, consistently providing a global platform for artists to gain recognition. This new prize follows the broader industry trend of fashion brands integrating direct creative patronage into long-standing heritage events.
The award marks Xueling Chen as a photographer to watch for those interested in contemporary visual culture and fashion imagery. Collectors and fans of her work can expect further exploration of her themes regarding womanhood in future exhibitions.
The takeaway
Artistic growth often requires stepping back from commercial demands to rediscover an original creative vision. Implementing periods of focused study can help artists align their output with their personal voice.
Further reading
Discover more emerging artists and industry trends on the Fashion page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by I-d.
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