DESIGN ACADEMY nOVA
MATERIAL INNOVATIONS IN FASHION DESIGN
The Design Academy is developed in collaboration between Zalando and VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub with the aim to use the power of community to foster positive, long-lasting transformations within the fashion industry. The fourth edition of the Design Academy sets a focus on material innovations.
The educational programme consists of sixteen weeks of remote and in-person training split into two phases: during the first eight weeks, 100 selected talents delve into themes such as sustainability, branding and business modeling and 3D technologies with emphasis on material innovations and circularity.
In the second phase, the 10 most outstanding designers will be awarded with a scholarship for an eight-week design sprint with partly in-person residency in Berlin. Participants engage in workshops, refining their skills and creativity under expert guidance. They will have the unique opportunity to explore and experiment with the material innovations from our contributors, understand their properties and integrate them into their design process to create something truly special.
The journey will end at Berlin Fashion Week 2026, where the finalists will have the opportunity to present their creations in a showcase exhibition.
THE CO-HOST
The fourth edition of the Design Academy is a collaborative effort between Zalando and Vorn – The Berlin Fashion Hub. Building on the success of previous editions, the fourth iteration of the programme continues to push innovation and drive positive change within the fashion community. This year's Design Academy, titled NOVA, is focusing on innovative materials.
MATERIAL INNOVATIONS
Zalando and VORN are launching the fourth edition of the Design Academy
The fashion industry is changing: new technologies, a growing awareness of social and environmental aspects, and increasing regulatory requirements call for fresh ideas and courageous innovators. This is precisely where we want to start with the fourth edition of the Design Academy by Zalando and VORN - The Berlin Fashion Hub. The programme is aimed at up-and-coming designers from all over Europe who not only want to shape the future of fashion but are also ready to be part of the change. One of the levers for long-term positive change in our industry is material innovation.
These resources - whether bio-based, cellulose-based, recycled or technologically advanced - are currently rare, expensive and thus often out of reach for independent designers and smaller labels. Yet, they offer enormous creative potential and play a key role in building a more sustainable fashion industry. With NOVA, we are opening the door to this world. As an emerging talent or even a smaller label, you have the unique opportunity to explore and experiment with these material innovations, understand their properties and integrate them into your design process to create something truly special.
The Design Academy NOVA gives more than access to scarce resources. It is a comprehensive learning programme that connects you with experienced mentors in design, materials science, sustainability and business development. You will become part of an inspiring European network of creatives, collaborating, supporting each other, and pushing boundaries together. The programme will provide valuable contacts in the industry and the media, as well as potential partners who can support your career.
We are looking for bold talents who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and combine creative vision with a forward-thinking mindset. The Design Academy NOVA is for designers of all scales - emerging or established - united by bold ambition, seeing design not just as an aesthetic statement but as an inception for change.
This fourth edition is a particular opportunity to be part of a movement that is changing the fashion world from within. If you want to help shape the way we think, produce and consume fashion in the future, now is the time.
Apply for the Design Academy NOVA and become part of a new generation of designers who combine responsibility with creativity.
Remember: The future belongs to those who dare!
THE CONTRIBUTORS
MODULES OF THE PROGRAMME
Branding & Business Modelling with a focus on Innovation, scalability & impact
In this module, you will explore key elements of building innovative, scalable and impactful business models and storytelling. You will also discover how fashion can be an effective advocate to promote change.
Circular Design Strategies with a focus on material innovations
In this module, you will gain essential insights into the world of material innovation and how circular design strategies are an alternative approach to the current take-make-waste fashion system.You will learn about circular supply chains and local on-demand production and how they can reduce the products' climate footprint. Through inspiring case studies, you will discover real-world applications from leading brands.
3D Technologies with a focus on 3D Design & 3D Manufacturing
This module introduces you to digital fashion creation, including 3D design, avatars, and virtual try-ons. You will explore how digital sampling and 3D manufacturing technologies enhance resource efficiency and sustainability across the fashion value chain.
REMOTE PROGRAMME
May 21 - July 10
Eight-week comprehensive online learning programme that connects you with experienced mentors. You will become part of an inspiring European network of creatives, collaborating, supporting each other, and pushing boundaries together. The programme will provide valuable contacts in the industry and the media, along with potential partners who can support your career.
You will be asked to create a design concept during the first phase - the remote programme - and apply one or more ‘Design for Material Cyclability’ strategies and select a suitable material innovation from the programme's contributors.
At the end of this phase, you can submit your concept to apply for the second phase of the programme, the design sprint. A jury of industry experts awards 10 of the designers to move to the final phase.
Who can apply?
Freelance designers and designers from emerging and established brands are eligible to apply. Brands must be based in Europe. Applications can be submitted from April 7 to May 12, 2025.
Skillset
Learn how to build innovative, scalable and impactful business models and storytelling
Receive essential insights in the world of material innovation
Understand and apply Circular Design Strategies
Receive a full CLO 3D Basic Training and create your digital product
Details
Live training via Zoom with industry experts
7 training hours/week
Weekly training sessions on Wednesdays & Thursdays
4.00-7.45 pm (CET)Stay on track with weekly check-ins with the Lead Coach Thursdays 7.45-8.15 pm (CET)
Language: English
Personalised concept review sessions with expert trainers to refine your ideas and ensure steady progress
Become part of an inspiring network
Free of charge VORN Community membership with 200 members who work towards the transformation of the textile and fashion industry
Certificate of Participation provided upon submitting a concept
The complete programme is free of charge
DESIGN SPRINT
September 30 - November 22
As a NOVA awardee, you will receive a 2.000 EUR scholarship and take part in an eight-week hybrid design sprint, where you actively bring your concept to life.
Throughout the sprint, you participate in hands-on workshops, sharpen your skills, and expand your creativity under the guidance of experienced mentors. You have the unique opportunity to explore and experiment with innovative materials from our contributors, learn how they behave, and integrate them into your own design process.
You also gain access to high-end sampling studios and knitwear facilities, enabling you to turn your ideas into reality using professional production tools and techniques. At the end of the sprint, you showcase your developed design and solution during an internal Demo Day, presenting directly to industry stakeholders and potential partners that were involved in the programme.
Details:
Scholarship 2.000 EUR
Individual and group coaching from industry experts
Professional photo and video shooting
Access to top-tier sampling studios and knitwear facilities
Hybrid programme
SHOWCASE
Berlin Fashion Week, February 2026
As one of the 10 NOVA awardees you will present your designs and solutions at an exhibition during Berlin Fashion Week in February 2026. This event will bring together press, industry leaders, creatives and fashion enthusiasts to celebrate the results of the Design Academy NOVA.
It is a prime opportunity for networking, press coverage, and industry exposure, allowing awardees to connect with key players, gain visibility, and showcase their innovations on an international stage.
Learn more about last year’s Design Academy ADAPT here.
THE JURY MEMBERS
ZALANDO
MARTE HENTSCHEL / VORN
BRENT BAKER / NFW
CIRCULOSE
JUDITH BONDY / ACADEMY ALUMNI
tESTIMONIALS pREVIOUS ACADEMY
“The Design Academy ADAPT program was a transformative experience that deepened my approach to inclusive design. The co-creation process fostered meaningful exchange, allowing me to refine my vision and push the boundaries of adaptive fashion. Collaborating with industry experts and fellow creatives not only expanded my network but also provided invaluable insights that will shape my future work. This program has reinforced my commitment to designing fashion that is meaningful and empowering—for a more inclusive future”.
- Ann-Sophie Schälicke
“The Design Academy ADAPT Academy allowed me to showcase my designs to a global audience. The tutoring and support I received throughout the academy was outstanding and meeting my fellow designers was inspirational and I think we have all made lifelong support networks for our design careers. The whole team always made us feel inspired and included. A dream project to be a part of and truly career defining”.
– Megan Hall
“Taking part in the Design Project was an absolute joy. To be included in the design process felt validating and inclusive in a way we, the disabled community, deserve but so often miss out on”.
- Sandie Robert