Zalando Visionary Award to Move to Milan in 2027
Zalando's fashion award will be presented in Milan from 2027 after four years at Copenhagen Fashion Week.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Fashion
Berlin-based platform Zalando will present its Visionary Award in Milan starting in 2027, with Fondazione Sozzani as partner and host. Applications for the 2027 award close December 4, 2026.
Why it matters
The move gives emerging fashion talent a new host city and partner to support the development and presentation of their collections. The award was previously presented at Copenhagen Fashion Week for four years.
The winning label receives 50,000 euros in prize money along with industry mentoring and strategic communications advice. The award was first launched in 2023 and the 2027 presentation details beyond the Milan location were not yet announced.
The players
Zalando
Zalando is a Berlin-based online fashion platform that sponsors the Visionary Award.
Fondazione Sozzani
Fondazione Sozzani is the Milan-based foundation partnering with Zalando to host the award, founded in connection with the Sozzani family's long presence in Italian fashion publishing.
Sara Sozzani Maino
Sara Sozzani Maino is an Italian fashion executive and member of the Sozzani family who sits on the 2027 international jury.
The details
Zalando secured Fondazione Sozzani as partner and host, and an international jury including Christiane Arp, Edward Buchanan, Jeanie Annan-Lewin, Sara Spännar, Sara Sozzani Maino, and Angelo Flaccavento will select the winner. The award aims to give visionary talents more space to develop and present their collections.
Timeline
2023: Visionary Award first launched
December 4, 2026: Applications for the 2027 award close
2027: Award presented in Milan
Industry Dynamics
The relocation from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Milan follows the Visionary Award's first four years of presentation there after its 2023 launch. The move places the award within Milan's fashion calendar, one of the industry's established production and presentation centers.
Emerging designers gain a new application window and the chance to receive 50,000 euros plus mentoring if selected. Readers following fashion can track the 2027 winner once the Milan presentation takes place.
The takeaway
Designers considering entry should note the December 4, 2026 deadline and prepare applications ahead of the 2027 Milan presentation. The award's move to Milan signals continued investment in emerging fashion talent beyond Copenhagen.
What happens next
Applications for the 2027 Visionary Award close December 4, 2026, ahead of the award's presentation in Milan in 2027.
Further reading
For more on how emerging designers are shaping the industry, explore Fashion coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FashionNetwork.
