Fendi Design Prize 2026
Fendi, the luxury brand representing Rome, Italy, has announced the "Fendi Design Prize," a new initiative to celebrate design and craftsmanship, and to discover and nurture emerging talent. The inaugural winner for 2026 is "VIA" by Gustav Craft, which will be realized and presented at Design Miami in December 2026, followed by a collaboration opportunity with Fendi Casa in 2027.
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- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 03:19
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 19:02
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 19:50 (47 min after Collected)
Fendi, the luxury brand representing Rome, Italy, has announced the "Fendi Design Prize," a new initiative to celebrate design and craftsmanship, and to discover and nurture emerging talent.
Conceived in the spirit of the Maison's long-standing legacy of fostering innovation and supporting the next generation, this award is curated by designer Giulio Cappellini. The selection process is carried out by a jury composed of globally renowned design luminaries, including Cristina Celestino, Joseph Grima, Neri & Hu, Rossana Orlandi, Josh Owen, and Patricia Urquiola.
The final selection for the 2026 edition took place during Milan Design Week in April, at the Fendi Casa boutique located in Piazza della Scala in central Milan. From six finalists, "VIA" by Gustav Craft was chosen as the momentous inaugural winner.
Ramon Ros, Chairman and CEO of Fendi, stated: "We are delighted to announce the 'Fendi Design Prize.' Fendi has historically nurtured many talents. Through this new initiative, we aim to continue building on that inspiring journey. We are greatly stimulated by the vision of how new generations worldwide interpret the Maison's codes. We look forward to discovering the next outstanding designers who will shape the future."
The winning project is scheduled to be realized and presented at Design Miami in December 2026. Furthermore, in 2027, an opportunity will be provided to create a collection or a curated selection of works in collaboration with Fendi Casa.
The open call received over 70 applications, with specific briefs presented to leading design schools worldwide. Applicants were asked to propose living spaces composed of multiple elements, including furniture and accessories, and both individual and group applications were encouraged. Key criteria for selection included the utilization of upcycled Fendi leather and fur, as well as the integration of iconic Fendi elements such as "Selleria," the Maison's color palette, inspiration drawn from Rome, and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
Judges' Comments
Giulio Cappellini
"This project most accurately expresses Fendi's modernity while respecting tradition. Past forms are projected into the future, and the exquisite fusion of technology and craftsmanship creates products with a powerful image that adorn diverse spaces."
Cristina Celestino
"The winning project interpreted the theme with the freshest and most free-spirited ideas. I strongly feel the importance of maintaining a curious and open attitude throughout the entire creative process. For me, research is a field of possibilities, an opportunity to continuously embrace rather than close off. In that sense, technologies like AI should serve ideas, never replace them."
Joseph Grima
"Often, 'decoration' itself is mistakenly understood as 'meaning.' However, Gustav Craft's work distinguishes itself from such trends, offering a quieter and more refined proposal. His work subtly incorporates elements that constitute the Roman cityscape, but never expresses them overtly. And, rather than directly imitating the excellent aspects of Italian rationalism, a confident expression that evokes its spirituality is seen. The other finalists also demonstrated a deep understanding of traditional craftsmanship and a rich imagination for how that tradition could evolve in the 21st century, where technological innovation is advancing. The overall level was very high, and the selection was not easy, but this also indicates that the new generation today is actively embracing traditions and forms of expression that are often thought to be of little interest."
Conceived in the spirit of the Maison's long-standing legacy of fostering innovation and supporting the next generation, this award is curated by designer Giulio Cappellini. The selection process is carried out by a jury composed of globally renowned design luminaries, including Cristina Celestino, Joseph Grima, Neri & Hu, Rossana Orlandi, Josh Owen, and Patricia Urquiola.
The final selection for the 2026 edition took place during Milan Design Week in April, at the Fendi Casa boutique located in Piazza della Scala in central Milan. From six finalists, "VIA" by Gustav Craft was chosen as the momentous inaugural winner.
Ramon Ros, Chairman and CEO of Fendi, stated: "We are delighted to announce the 'Fendi Design Prize.' Fendi has historically nurtured many talents. Through this new initiative, we aim to continue building on that inspiring journey. We are greatly stimulated by the vision of how new generations worldwide interpret the Maison's codes. We look forward to discovering the next outstanding designers who will shape the future."
The winning project is scheduled to be realized and presented at Design Miami in December 2026. Furthermore, in 2027, an opportunity will be provided to create a collection or a curated selection of works in collaboration with Fendi Casa.
The open call received over 70 applications, with specific briefs presented to leading design schools worldwide. Applicants were asked to propose living spaces composed of multiple elements, including furniture and accessories, and both individual and group applications were encouraged. Key criteria for selection included the utilization of upcycled Fendi leather and fur, as well as the integration of iconic Fendi elements such as "Selleria," the Maison's color palette, inspiration drawn from Rome, and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
Judges' Comments
Giulio Cappellini
"This project most accurately expresses Fendi's modernity while respecting tradition. Past forms are projected into the future, and the exquisite fusion of technology and craftsmanship creates products with a powerful image that adorn diverse spaces."
Cristina Celestino
"The winning project interpreted the theme with the freshest and most free-spirited ideas. I strongly feel the importance of maintaining a curious and open attitude throughout the entire creative process. For me, research is a field of possibilities, an opportunity to continuously embrace rather than close off. In that sense, technologies like AI should serve ideas, never replace them."
Joseph Grima
"Often, 'decoration' itself is mistakenly understood as 'meaning.' However, Gustav Craft's work distinguishes itself from such trends, offering a quieter and more refined proposal. His work subtly incorporates elements that constitute the Roman cityscape, but never expresses them overtly. And, rather than directly imitating the excellent aspects of Italian rationalism, a confident expression that evokes its spirituality is seen. The other finalists also demonstrated a deep understanding of traditional craftsmanship and a rich imagination for how that tradition could evolve in the 21st century, where technological innovation is advancing. The overall level was very high, and the selection was not easy, but this also indicates that the new generation today is actively embracing traditions and forms of expression that are often thought to be of little interest."