NEWS: Apply now: Innovative concepts for Berlin Fashion Week in July 2026 sought

Berlin, March 5, 2026: After Fashion Week comes the next Fashion Week – apply now and present your collections! We are looking for designers who want to present their collections during Berlin Fashion Week in July 2026. Following the winter season's resounding international success (to quote Forbes Magazine: "There was nowhere else to be on those four frozen nights than in Berlin!"), the Fashion Council Germany (FCG) and the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises are launching concept competitions for the realization of Fashion Week SS27.

Designers can apply for funding of up to €25,000 until March 23rd; for the eighth time, the FCG and the Berlin Senate are thus providing targeted support for outstanding design achievements and creative presentation ideas. New this season is an even stronger focus on the sustainability of submitted concepts: Following a pilot phase, the "Sustainability Requirements" will come fully into effect in July.

Only collection presentations from brands that meet the minimum standards defined in these regulations will be able to become an official part of Berlin Fashion Week in the future. By committing to these regulations, which aim, for example, at the increased use of more sustainable materials or the guarantee of fair business structures, Berlin Fashion Week lives up to its self-imposed guiding principle: "The responsible movement of freedom, inclusion and creativity."

As in previous seasons, the competition in the categories BERLIN CONTEMPORARY and STUDIO2RETAIL will also be co-financed for the Fashion Week from July 2nd to 5th, 2026 by funds from the State of Berlin and the European Regional Development Fund as part of the “Project Future” initiative.

BERLIN CONTEMPORARY (BC)

Nineteen fashion show and presentation concepts will be awarded €25,000 each. An independent jury of international industry experts will consider not only the submitted concept but also the development potential of each brand, focusing on design excellence, craftsmanship, sustainability, diversity, and economic viability. In addition to submissions from Germany, up to five concepts from international brands will also be considered this season. Prize money is reserved for a label headquartered in an African country, which will also receive additional support in the form of production services, guest management, and public relations for the realization of a fashion show.

STUDIO2RETAIL (S2R)

Six event concepts that involve end consumers will each receive €5,000 in funding. The corresponding showroom, pop-up, or exhibition formats will be evaluated by a jury of experts based on their sustainability, potential media impact, and innovative and inclusive character. The overarching idea behind this competition category is to make Berlin Fashion Week accessible to a broad public beyond the catwalks. Five concepts will be funded by the State of Berlin and the European Regional Development Fund; a sixth prize is once again being provided by Berliner Sparkasse .

The jury will select the winners after the application period closes on March 23. The announcement of the funded concepts is expected on April 20, 2026. Further information and applications can be found at fashionweek.berlin