Designers Play Sustain

The aim of the programme is to support young designers by developing their skills, promoting innovative solutions and raising awareness of the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry.

This year’s final gala took place on 12 June 2026 in Warsaw. During the event, winners in two competition categories were announced: Upcycling Ready-2-Wear and Eco-design Digital-2-AI. The competition was accompanied by an educational programme, mentoring and special prizes funded by partners, supporting further professional development of the finalists.

As a partner of the event, we funded one of the special prizes, which aims to support the internationalisation of young designers. The prize is in line with our activities, which focus on promoting Polish fashion abroad and developing the export skills of young designers.

The winner of the IPK award was the Cocon Co Lab collective, which was given the opportunity to travel to London Fashion Week and take part in a study visit as part of BEYOND LIMITS – Polish Visionaries – a show that we are organising in London.

The winners will gain an insight into how the international fashion market operates, take part in events accompanying London Fashion Week, and have the chance to network with the international media, buyers and industry professionals. Participation in the BEYOND LIMITS event showroom will also provide an opportunity to showcase their work in an international setting and to learn about best practices in organising industry events during one of the world’s most important fashion weeks.

Taking part in the competition forms part of our institute’s efforts to strengthen the presence of Polish designers in foreign markets and to build the profile of Polish fashion as a modern and innovative creative sector.

Date: 12 June 2026

Venue: Palace of Culture and Science (Warsaw).