Zalando and Karla Otto named new patrons of ANDAM 2026 awards

The ANDAM 2026 awards welcome two new financial partners: online retailer Zalando and German communications agency Karla Otto.

This is a first for the Zalando platform. In addition to its financial support_ it will assist designers with digital marketing and distribution.

“We are delighted to enter into this partnership with ANDAM and look forward to seeing how the designers will push their boundaries for this new edition_” said Laura Toledano_ general manager for Western Europe at Zalando_ in a statement. “By joining ANDAM_ we want to help emerging designers translate their creative vision into sustainable brand development that can resonate across Europe. Thanks to our expertise_ we can support their growth by focusing on the long-term desirability of their brand_ while allowing them to focus on what they do best: shaping the future of fashion.”

Karla Otto_ which was already a partner as the awards' press office_ is deepening its commitment. In 2026_ the agency will become a patron.

“Supporting this organisation has been an integral part of our journey for many years_ driven by a shared passion for discovering and nurturing new talent_” said Alexander Werz_ CEO and co-founder. “I look forward to starting this new chapter and meeting the talented designers who will shape the future of fashion.”

As a reminder_ the ANDAM awards are led by Nathalie Dufour_ founder and managing director of the Association Nationale pour le Développement des Arts de la Mode (ANDAM). It includes a total prize fund of 700_000 euros: the Grand Prize of 300_000 euros; the Special Prize of 100_000 euros; the Pierre Bergé Prize of 100_000 euros; the Fashion Accessories Prize of 100_000 euros; and the Innovation Prize of 100_000 euros. The awards are supported by an enhanced mentorship programme.

Patrons renew their support for ANDAM's initiative each year. These include its historic institutional partners_ the Ministry of Culture and Le Défi. Other supporters are AMI Paris (which joined in 2025)_ Balenciaga_ Bureau Betak_ Chanel_ Chloé_ and the Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent foundation. The list also includes Galeries Lafayette_ Hermès_ Instagram_ Kering_ Lacoste_ Longchamp_ LVMH_ L'Oréal Paris_ Otb_ Saint Laurent_ Swarovski and WSN.