H&M Design Award returns after six-year hiatus

After a six-year hiatus_ Swedish fast fashion retailer H&M has announced the return of the H&M Design Award. This prestigious award helps emerging international design talent launch their careers in the fashion industry by providing financial resources and intensive mentoring. H&M announced the comeback in a press release.

The competition returns this autumn with an even more international focus. BA and MA students from over 60 participating fashion schools across 25 countries are eligible to apply. This includes eight new additions such as Australia_ Mexico_ Poland_ Spain and Colombia.

The winner will be selected by a renowned international jury and will receive a prize of 150_000 euros (179_800 dollars)_ as well as a year of tailored mentorship in areas including sustainability_ circularity_ production and marketing. The winning collection will also be produced and sold worldwide in selected H&M stores and online. Eight finalists will each receive 10_000 euros.

The H&M Design Award specifically targets young designers who excel in creativity_ innovation_ and craftsmanship. It also seeks those with a strong vision for sustainability and for breaking conventions within the fashion industry. The last winner to meet these criteria was Latvian designer Sabine Skarule in 2020. As a recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp_ Belgium Skarule won 50_000 euros for her collection '+371'_ inspired by the craft practices of her childhood. Past winners include British designers Richard Quinn_ Stefan Cooke and Priya Ahluwalia. Previous jury members have included Imran Ahmed (founder of Business of Fashion) and designers Olivier Rousteing and Erdem Moralioglu.

Applications for the H&M Design Award open on January 29_ 2026_ via designaward.hm.com by submitting a digital portfolio. The 20 semi-finalists will be announced in October.