Visa and Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) are teaming to support emerging designers working in circular fashion through a new initiative that aims to turn sustainability concepts into viable businesses.
The program, called “Visa Young Creators: Recycle the Runway,” will support early-stage fashion entrepreneurs developing circular models—such as resale, repair, rental and upcycling—across apparel, textiles, footwear and accessories.
Fifteen winners will be selected through the program. Ten will receive a share of 50,000 euros (a total just over $58,000) to invest in their businesses. Four additional winners will each receive 10,000 euros (around $11,600) plus mentorship and the opportunity to collaborate with solution providers to develop new products. One grand-prize winner will receive 20,000 euros (roughly $23,200) along with those benefits.
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Jury members, from left: Laura Ingham, Kirsty Keoghan and Shailja Dubé. Courtesy
Finalists will also be invited to attend the Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition on May 6-7, where the program’s winners will be showcased to industry stakeholders. Applications are open to designers headquartered in Europe who have operated their businesses for at least one year and whose models embrace circular activities: resale, repair, rental, material reuse.
Federica Marchionni, chief executive officer of Global Fashion Agenda, said the program is designed to connect emerging creative talent with funding, mentorship and industry platforms that can help accelerate fashion’s transition toward circularity.
“Through Recycle the Runway, we are proud to support the next generation of creators who are reimagining how fashion is designed, produced and experienced,” she said. “This initiative helps turn circular ideas into viable businesses that can shape a more regenerative future for fashion.”
Applications will be reviewed by a jury that includes Laura Ingham, deputy director of the Global Fashion Network at Vogue; Kirsty Keoghan, general manager of European fashion at eBay; Shailja Dubé, deputy director of the British Fashion Council’s Institute of Positive Fashion; and Philip Konopik, group country manager for the Nordics and Baltics at Visa Europe. Gemma Styles will also serve as a jury member and ambassador for the program.
Konopik said the company sees the initiative as a way to support emerging creators and small businesses developing circular fashion models.
“At Visa, we help creators and small businesses thrive in a circular, digital-first world by pairing secure payments and commerce solutions with education, resources and mentorship to turn bold ideas into scalable businesses,” he said. “Through Visa Young Creators: Recycle the Runway with Global Fashion Agenda, we’re proud to support the next generation of creators and highlight how purpose-led businesses can help accelerate the shift toward a more regenerative fashion economy.”
Applications close March 7.
