The ANDAM 2026 Awards are set to enter a new chapter with the arrival of two significant financial partners. Zalando and Karla Otto have been appointed as new patrons of the ANDAM 2026 Awards. Their involvement reinforces the organisation’s long-standing mission to champion emerging fashion talent and innovation on an international scale.
Zalando Makes Its ANDAM Debut
For Zalando, this partnership marks a first-time collaboration with ANDAM. Beyond providing financial backing, the leading online fashion platform will play an active role in supporting designers through its expertise in digital marketing, brand visibility, and distribution across Europe.
Laura Toledano, General Manager for Western Europe at Zalando, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. She highlighted the platform’s ambition to help emerging designers transform creative ideas into sustainable, desirable brands. By leveraging Zalando’s industry knowledge and infrastructure, designers will be able to focus on creativity while benefiting from long-term strategic support aimed at growth and relevance within the European market.
Karla Otto Deepens Its Commitment
Karla Otto, the internationally renowned communications agency, is also elevating its relationship with ANDAM. Previously involved as the awards’ press office partner, the agency will officially step into the role of patron in 2026, signalling a deeper and more strategic commitment.
Alexander Werz, CEO and co-founder of Karla Otto, described the partnership as a natural progression rooted in a shared passion for discovering and nurturing new talent. He emphasised his excitement for this next phase and for connecting with the designers who will help define the future of fashion.
About the ANDAM Awards
The ANDAM Fashion Awards are led by Nathalie Dufour, founder and managing director of the Association Nationale pour le Développement des Arts de la Mode (ANDAM). Recognised as one of the most prestigious fashion awards in France, ANDAM offers a total prize fund of €700,000.
This includes:
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The Grand Prize: €300,000
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The Special Prize: €100,000
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The Pierre Bergé Prize: €100,000
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The Fashion Accessories Prize: €100,000
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The Innovation Prize: €100,000
In addition to financial support, winners benefit from an enhanced mentorship programme designed to guide them through the complexities of building and scaling a fashion brand.
A Strong Network of Patrons and Supporters
ANDAM’s patrons renew their commitment annually, forming a powerful ecosystem that blends institutional, creative, and commercial expertise. Long-standing partners include the French Ministry of Culture and Le Défi, alongside major fashion and luxury houses.
The supporter list features AMI Paris, Balenciaga, Bureau Betak, Chanel, Chloé, the Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, Galeries Lafayette, Hermès, Instagram, Kering, Lacoste, Longchamp, LVMH, L’Oréal Paris, OTB, Saint Laurent, Swarovski, and WSN.
With the addition of Zalando and Karla Otto have been appointed as new patrons of the ANDAM 2026 Awards., the programme continues to evolve, reaffirming its role as a vital platform for fostering creativity, innovation, and the next generation of fashion leaders.
