The London label Paolina Russo received the Zalando Visionary Award. The prize, a further development of the Berlin fashion retailer’s Sustainability Awards, was presented for the first time this year. As the winner, designer Paolina Russo can now look forward to monetary support of EUR 50,000 for the production of a fashion show at Copenhagen Fashion Week for spring/summer 2024.
The label, founded in 2021, is best known for creative knitwear collections. With the combination of artisanal techniques and industrial production, the brand creates a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and technology and pushes the boundaries of design, according to the statement. However, the jury of the Visionary Award was particularly impressed by the collaboration between the designers and their production network, because the designers regard all those involved in the supply chain as creative partners.
In order to convince the jury of the award, three main factors – design and creativity, social commitment and innovation – as well as the sustainability requirements of Copenhagen Fashion Week had to be met. The young London label and its unconventional knitwear were able to fulfill all of them.
“Paolina Russo’s creations inspire not only through the materials, shapes and colors, but also through her commitment to clothing that contributes to the future of fashion,” said jury member Herbert Hofmann, VP Creative and Buying at Highsnobiety. “It was my pleasure to be part of this journey. I’m excited to see what else Paolina Russo has to offer.”
Paolina Russo, a label to watch
Designer Paolina Russo has been a talent to watch since the final collection of her bachelor’s degree at the renowned Central Saint Martins University in London. At least since their master collection, this position has been cemented. Since then, Russo has been nominated as a semi-finalist for the LVMH Prize and is currently among the eight finalists for the International Woolmark Prize 2023. Russo is also part of the mentorship program of the British magazine 1 Granary. Since 2022, Lucile Guilmard, who also completed her studies at Central Saint Martins, has been on board as co-designer of the brand.
“We are very pleased to be honored with the Zalando Visionary Award,” said Russo. “Meeting the high standards of such an award brings us closer to our goal of modernizing craftsmanship and rethinking traditional techniques through innovation and responsibly manufactured fashion.”