Statements

“I have been observing the work of SDBi since its beginnings and in particular since my involvement with the jury in 2011. The evident genuine interest in new international creative talent was always the core value of the SDBI. This makes it inspirational for creatives, jury members and associates alike. Further support for future projects is vital and beneficial for both the industry and the young talent in order to further connect on a continuous basis and prepare for the tough challenges ahead.”
Torsten Hochstetter, Global Creative Director, Puma

“Visions, creativity and passion are the components with which SDBI sets sustainable signals for the future of the otherwise fast-moving fashion world.”
Laudation “Germany – Land of Ideas”

“The European Fashion Award FASH is neither a local project nor a faceless global story. SDBI does not only focus on beauty but also looks at the concept behind the fashion. We share this requirement for quality, combined with an international appeal.”
Daniel and Markus Freitag, Founders and Creative Directors FREITAG.

“We are grateful that SDBI plays a pioneering role for design and industry with its European Fashion Award FASH as well as with the help of its communication and industry network.”
Michael Glos, MdB, Federal Minister of Economy and Technology on the 30th anniversary of SDBI

“Attitude is the beginning of all sustainability. SDBI consistently endorses the new generation for our industry on a sophisticated level and with realistic reference to reality. SDBI deserves even more support – because lastly, people work for us and will work for us who have emerged from the FASH competition. The non-financial support provided by the Federal Government makes us hope that fashion in Berlin will eventually become a national topic.”
Albert Kriemler, Akris Creative Director

“An award like the European Fashion Award FASH motivates and generates attention, whether in a job application or in the media. Such professional competitions set important standards, are a seismographic indicator for trends and ideas and provide the industry with important inspiration. And last, but not least, they are an important tool for finding new employees.”
Cornelia Pieper, MdB, Minister of State, Foreign Office

“There are enormous changes in the global fashion business. Germany basically has – particularly thanks to its in-depth involvement in education – the power to be an international player. However, this potential has to be further developed and made more visible.”
Joachim Schirrmacher, Director and Advisory Board Chairman, SDBI

“Contrary to other industries, the fashion industry doesn’t treat its new generation very gently. This is why awards like the European Fashion Award FASH are so important to support and recognize their talent,” emphasizes jury member Robb Young speaking from long-time experience. He has managed, among others, the Swiss Textiles Award and helped designers like Raf Simons, Haider Ackermann, Christian Wijnants or Alexander Wang make their mark on an international level.

Platform For Young Designers
The European Fashion Award FASH is considered one of the most important international endorsement awards for fashion students, and has been active as a platform for the new generation of designers since 2005. It is an annual competition by the not-for-profit Stiftung der Deutschen Bekleidungsindustrie (German Fashion Industry Foundation), in short SDBI. Thanks to the European Fashion Award FASH, its communication, publications and extensive industry network SDBI plays a groundbreaking role for students, design and industry. Klaus Steilmann, at the time Europe’s largest manufacturer of women’s fashion, founded SDBI in 1978.