NEWS: Concept competition for Berlin Fashion Week starts its next season

Berlin, March 4, 2025: Following five successful editions, the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises / Project Future, together with the Fashion Council Germany, is continuing its support for creative presentation formats with the concept competition for Berlin Fashion Week. Designers and fashion labels can apply from March 4 to 24, 2025 , and win prize money of up to €25,000.

The competition aims to sustainably promote the innovation and growth potential of local designers from Berlin and across Germany. This season, for the first time, prize money will be awarded to two international labels in the Berlin Contemporary category. Additionally, an African label will be recognized for the second time. In addition to the prize money, the winners will have the opportunity to present their work at the upcoming Berlin Fashion Week, from June 30 to July 3, 2025. An international and independent jury will select the most innovative concepts.

The prizes will be awarded in two categories: Berlin Contemporary and Studio2Retail. The application period is from March 4th to 24th, 2025.

BERLIN CONTEMPORARY (BC)

In the Berlin Contemporary category, the 19 most innovative show and presentation concepts are awarded, all of which impress with their sustainable and creative approach. The evaluation considers not only the submitted concepts but also past collections. These are assessed for their design merit, craftsmanship, and commercial potential. The aim is to promote fashion concepts that are both aesthetically pleasing and future-proof, that set new trends in the fashion industry through their creative approach, and that are of international relevance.

The 16 most compelling concepts, submitted by applicants based in Berlin, Germany or Ukraine, will be awarded prizes. Two international fashion labels will also receive awards. One prize will again be awarded to a fashion label based in an African country [1] . The prize money is €25,000 each.

STUDIO2RETAIL (S2R)

In the STUDIO2RETAIL category, awards are given to event concepts that are open to end consumers and offer them the opportunity to experience Berlin Fashion Week up close. Five of the most innovative B2C event concepts, originating from Berlin fashion labels, brick-and-mortar retailers, or fashion-focused events, will each receive €5,000. The evaluation is based on the criteria of sustainability, innovation, diversity, and potential for above-average media impact. An additional sixth prize is also being provided this season by Berliner Sparkasse.

The aim is to further strengthen the STUDIO2RETAIL initiative , which makes Berlin Fashion Week accessible to fashion enthusiasts through a diverse store overview and an "Open to Public" event calendar – even beyond the events for invited professionals.

Following the application period, a jury of industry experts will select the winners. The winning concepts are expected to be announced in mid-April 2025 .

Further information and application details can be found at: https://fashionweek.berlin/talent-support/concept-competition-ss26.html

[1] In addition to the prize money, the winning fashion label from an African country will receive support with show production, including guest management, from a local production agency, as well as with PR and invitation management. The winning brand is responsible for organizing the trip, including travel expenses, shipping the collection, and customs clearance.