FCG/VOGUE FASHION FUND

Together with VOGUE Germany, we launched the FCG/VOGUE FASHION FUND, a competition that specifically supports and showcases emerging design talent from Germany. The initiative was first implemented in Germany in 2024 – Condé Nast has already successfully established the format in the USA, the UK, China, and Spain. International award winners include RICHARD QUINN (2022), 16ARLINGTON (2023), and Melitta Baumeister (2023).

The competition was announced at the official Berlin Fashion Week opening in February 2024 – in September 2024, we selected Kasia Kucharska as the first winner from seven finalists. The second edition followed in November 2025: Balletshofer , Gerrit Jacob GmbH , Haderlump Atelier Berlin , Kitschy Couture , Laura Gerte , and Lou de Bètoly were chosen as finalists by the jury. At the end of March 2026, the winner was announced: GmbH won the second FCG/VOGUE Fashion Fund.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

With the FCG/VOGUE FASHION FUND, we are creating a platform for young German designers who pursue an innovative approach with their labels. The winner receives prize money – in 2026, KIKO MILANO is providing €50,000 for this purpose – as well as a comprehensive package of benefits: editorial coverage in VOGUE Germany, a fashion show during Berlin Fashion Week, diverse communication services from Condé Nast and us, and an exclusive business mentoring program. This program connects the winner with industry experts in sales, production, styling, supply chains, and craftsmanship. Furthermore, we open the doors to our internal FCG network and offer a free five-year FCG membership – for sustainable networking with young talents and influential figures in the international fashion industry.

REQUIREMENTS

In order to participate in the competition, designers must meet the following criteria:

• Active fashion business: minimum 2 years – maximum 15 years on the market

• The company's headquarters are in Germany

• Max. 30 full-time employees

• Maximum total revenue of 10 million euros per year

TIMELINE 2025–2026

• 04.11.25: Announcement of the second edition of the FCG/VOGUE Fashion Fund

• November 4 – December 7, 2025: Application period

• 08.12.25 – 19.01.26: Jury evaluation

• January 19 – January 23, 2026: Notification of the 7 finalists.

• February 2026: Announcement of the finalists during Berlin Fashion Week

• March 2026: Announcement of the winner

• From April 2026: Start of the mentoring program

• July 2026: Presentation of a collection during Berlin Fashion Week

JURY 2025–2026

• Christiane Arp, Chairwoman of the Board, Fashion Council Germany

• Mumi Haiati, CEO & Founder Reference Studios

• Scott Lipinski, CEO Fashion Council Germany

• Katrin Schneider, Marketing Director DE/CH at KIKO Milano

• Kerstin Weng, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue Germany

• Patrick Pendiuk, Fashion Features Director at Vogue Germany

FINALIST: 2025–2026

Balletshofer, Gerrit Jacob, GmbH, Haderlump Atelier Berlin, Kitschy Couture, Laura Gerte and Lou de Bètoly

WINNER 2026: GmbH

WINNER 2024: Kasia Kucharska

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

As part of the FCG/VOGUE FASHION FUND, a competition is being launched for young German designers to give them international visibility. Designers whose labels demonstrate a particularly innovative approach are being sought. The winner will receive €50,000 in prize money, provided by KIKO MILANO, and additional benefits. These include editorial coverage in VOGUE Germany, a fashion show during Berlin Fashion Week in July 2026, various communication services from Condé Nast and the FCG, and an exclusive business mentoring program that connects the winner with industry experts from various fields such as sales, production, styling, supply chains, and craftsmanship. The winner will also benefit from access to the FCG's internal network and receive a free five-year FCG membership. This will create extensive networking opportunities, allowing the winner to connect with young talents and influential figures in the international fashion industry.

REQUIREMENTS:

In order to participate in the competition, the designers had to meet the following requirements:

• Active fashion business: minimum 2 years – maximum 15 years on the market

• The company's headquarters are in Germany

• Max. 30 full-time employees

• Maximum total revenue of 10 million euros per year

TIMELINE 2025-2026:

• 04.11.25: Announcement of the second edition of the FCG/VOGUE Fashion Fund

• November 4 – December 7, 2025: Application period

• 08.12.25 – 19.01.26: Jury evaluation

• January 19th - 23rd, 2026: Notification of the 7 finalists

• February 2026: Announcement of the finalists during Berlin Fashion Week

• March 2026: Announcement of the winner

• From April 2026: Winner's Mentoring Program

• July 2026: Presentation of a collection by the winner during Berlin Fashion Week

JURY 2025-2026

• Christiane Arp, Chairwoman of the Board, Fashion Council Germany

• Mumi Haiati, CEO & Founder Reference Studios

• Scott Lipinski, CEO Fashion Council Germany

• Katrin Schneider, Marketing Director DE/CH at KIKO Milano

• Kerstin Weng, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue Germany

• Patrick Pendiuk, Fashion Features Director at Vogue Germany

FINALIST: INSIDE 2025-2026:

Balletshofer , Gerrit Jacob , GmbH , Haderlump Atelier Berlin , Kitschy Couture , Laura Gerte and Lou de Bètoly .

WINNER 2026: GmbH

WINNER 2024:

Kasia Kucharska