Italian luxury maison Loro Piana announced the winners of the 2026 edition of the Loro Piana Knit Design Award on May 14, marking the 10th anniversary of the initiative dedicated to supporting the next generation of knitwear talent.
Summary
- Loro Piana announced the winners of the 10th edition of its Knit Design Award
- Viola Schmidt and Hrafnhildur Lilja Ármannsdóttir from the Swedish School of Textiles received the top honor
- The 2026 theme explored evolving expressions of color and light through knitwear
- The winning works will be showcased at Pitti Filati in Florence in June 2026
Established in 2016, the award was created to foster creativity among emerging designers by sharing the maison’s expertise and craftsmanship in knitwear. Each year, students from leading fashion schools around the world are invited to reinterpret Loro Piana’s iconic yarns through experimental and innovative projects.
This year’s winners were Viola Schmidt and Hrafnhildur Lilja Ármannsdóttir from the Swedish School of Textiles for their project “Gritzky: Mother of Pearl.” Their work stood out for its interpretation of the 2026 theme, “Knitting the Light: Evolving Expressions of Color,” combining technical experimentation with a strong narrative and refined craftsmanship.
Exploring Light, Texture, and the Perception of Color
The 2026 edition focused on Loro Piana’s longstanding expertise in color development and textile innovation. Students were invited to experiment with one mélange yarn and up to three mouliné yarns crafted from premium cashmere, while exploring how light, texture, and materiality can transform the perception of color.
Participants also incorporated innovative fibers and technologies into their final garments, developing adaptable silhouettes and experimental knit constructions that balanced tradition with forward-looking design approaches.
The resulting collections highlighted both artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary textile research, reflecting the evolving role of knitwear within luxury fashion.
A Growing Global Platform for Emerging Talent
This year’s edition brought together students from eight internationally recognized institutions: Accademia Costume & Moda, Bunka Fashion College, Donghua University, École Duperré Paris, Heriot-Watt University, Parsons School of Design, Shih Chien University, and the Swedish School of Textiles.
Since its launch a decade ago with only three participating schools, the initiative has steadily expanded into an international platform dedicated to nurturing emerging knitwear designers under the patronage of the Italian Fashion Chamber.
Industry Leaders Join the Jury Panel
The jury included several prominent figures from the fashion and design industries, including Frédéric Arnault, CEO of Loro Piana, alongside Anna Dello Russo, Sara Maino, Nick Vinson, Lidewij Edelkoort, Satoshi Kuwata, and Rossana Orlandi.
The winners were announced at Galleria Rossana Orlandi in Milan, a gallery internationally recognized for championing experimental and emerging design talents.
From Student Project to Maison Craftsmanship
In addition to receiving a scholarship and a specially designed trophy, the winners will have the opportunity to work alongside artisans at Loro Piana’s historic yarn and knitwear facilities in Piedmont, where they will further develop and finalize their projects.
The completed works are scheduled to be presented at Pitti Filati in Florence in June 2026 as part of the maison’s exhibition booth.
For the past decade, Loro Piana has continued to position knitwear at the center of its identity by investing in craftsmanship, material innovation, and the development of emerging creative talent. The Knit Design Award has become an extension of that vision, connecting heritage savoir-faire with the future of fashion design.
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