H&M revives Design Award to champion next generation of global talent

H&M is relaunching its Design Award, reviving one of fashion’s most credible pipelines for emerging talent at a moment when financial pressure and creative risk are colliding for the next generation of designers.

After a period of hiatus, the H&M Design Award returns with a broader global remit and renewed focus on creativity, sustainability and real-world support. Open to BA and MA students from more than 60 fashion schools across 25 countries, the 2026 edition is the most expansive yet, welcoming applicants from eight new territories, including Australia, Mexico, Poland, Spain and Colombia.

The relaunch signals a renewed commitment from the H&M Group to investing in early-stage talent, not just as a cultural exercise but as a structural one. The award positions itself as both a financial lifeline and an industry bridge.

Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M, said: "I'm thrilled to be relaunching the H&M Design Award. It connects to the heart of everything the H&M Group values: new talent, fresh ideas and a democratised vision of fashion.

"The Award helps aspiring designers at a pivotal and expensive moment in their journey, when they are undertaking their studies, before starting their careers or businesses. Now more than ever, that is a moment where young people need support and encouragement. So, I am especially proud that this year's award is our most global and inclusive yet."

The winner of the H&M Design Award will receive a €150,000 endowment, alongside a year-long, tailored mentorship programme spanning sustainability and circularity, production, marketing and PR. Crucially, the winning collection will also be produced and sold in selected H&M stores worldwide and online. Eight finalists will also receive €10,000 each.

Past winners include Minju Kim, Stefan Cooke, Priya Ahluwalia, Sabine Skarule and Richard Quinn.

Quinn said: "The H&M Design Award is an important and inspiring initiative. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with industry figures and to have a platform that showcases your work to a wide audience, both throughout the process and in-store when the design collaboration launched.

"The award continues to look to the future, encouraging and supporting the designers of tomorrow."

Previous jurors include Olivier Rousteing, Erdem Moralıoğlu, Nick Knight, Imran Ahmed and Camille Charrière.

Applications open on 29 January 2026, with 20 semi-finalists set to be announced in October.