Fast-fashion giant H&M has announced the relaunch of the prestigious H&M Design Award. The award aims to celebrate some of the world’s most exciting emerging designers while supporting the next generation of creative talent distinguished by creativity, innovation, technical skill, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
After a period of hiatus, the award returns in an expanded format, evolving into a more global and inclusive platform than ever before. The winner will receive a €150,000 grant, along with a one-year, individually tailored mentoring program designed to support practical and long-term professional development as a fashion designer.
The Largest Edition to Date, Spanning 25 Countries and More Than 60 Schools
This year’s H&M Design Award is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from more than 60 fashion schools across 25 countries. Eight new countries—including Australia, Mexico, Poland, Spain, and Colombia—have joined the program, making this the most diverse edition in the award’s history.
Applications opened on January 29, 2026, via the official website, with applicants required to submit their portfolios digitally. Twenty semi-finalists will be selected and announced in October.
The award will be judged by a panel of distinguished figures representing a wide range of disciplines within the fashion industry.
The final winner’s collection will be sold in selected H&M stores worldwide as well as online. In addition, eight finalists will each receive €10,000. Beyond financial support, the award is distinguished by its emphasis on providing practical industry access. The mentoring program covers key areas such as sustainability, circular design, production, marketing, and PR—offering essential knowledge and professional networks for building a fashion career.
Ann-Sofie Johansson on the Return of the Award
Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M, commented on the relaunch of the award: “We discussed how to continue with it in a way that makes sense for young designers today. We know that we have so much to give. We have so much expertise within the company that we really want to share. Young designers have always needed support and encouragement, maybe more so than ever now, since the world is getting tougher and tougher for independent designers. I think whatever we can do to help them and to give them insights and to really support them in a good way — I think that is super needed.”
Past winners of the H&M Design Award include Minju Kim, Richard Quinn, Stefan Cooke, Priya Ahluwalia, and Sabine Skarule.
Richard Quinn, the 2017 award winner, reflected on the significance of the initiative, stating: “The H&M Design Award is a hugely important and inspiring initiative. It allowed me to connect with industry figures throughout the entire process and to reach a wide audience when the collaboration collection launched in stores. The award looks toward the future and continues to encourage and support the designers of tomorrow.”
Bringing together emerging creative talent and the practical support of a global fashion company, the relaunched H&M Design Award is set to serve as an important platform that reflects—and helps shape—the future direction of the fashion industry.
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