To support the transition to a circular fashion system, Visa and GFA are supporting the next wave of creative entrepreneurs who are paving the way to a more regenerative fashion economy by making it easier, more rewarding, and more accessible for people and businesses to rethink living choices to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
What will winners receive?
15 winners will be selected in total.
Of these winners:
- 10 will receive a share of EUR 50,000 to invest in their business.
- 4 will receive:
- EUR 10,000 each to invest in their business
- Invitation to participate in Global Fashion Summit 2026
- Individual pairing with leading solution providers to co-create a product
- Expert mentorship sessions, promotional opportunities, and industry recognition
- 1 Grand Prize Winner will receive
- EUR 20,000 to invest in their business
- Invitation to participate in Global Fashion Summit 2026
- Individual pairing with leading solution providers to co-create a product
- Expert mentorship sessions, promotional opportunities, and industry recognition
Selection Process:
Applications will be shortlisted and reviewed by an esteemed Jury of industry experts.
WHO CAN apply?
To apply for the awards, you must:
- Be a creator, working in fashion upcycling, textiles, accessories/footwear, or apparel
- Have been registered as a business owner for at least one year
- Be headquartered in Europe and operate primarily within Europe
- Operate in a way that is in line with circular business activities — including Resell, Repair, Rental, Refill, Return and Redistribute
- Be available for the Global Fashion Summit on 6-7 May 2026 in Copenhagen if shortlisted
- Applicants must only submit original work, and any design must not be a copy of another company’s existing work. If the work was produced in collaboration with another party or individual, applicants must provide appropriate credit.
View full Terms & Conditions.
APPLY now
Applications for the Recycle the Runway Programme are open until 28 February 2026.
KEY dates
28 February: Applications Close
9 April: 15 Winners announced
6 May: Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2026. 5 winners will showcase examples of their work. The pairings of the 5 winners with solution providers announced. Grand Prize Winner to be revealed.
Summer: Collective trainings and mentorship sessions
Fall: Grand Prize Winner and paired innovator will showcase their co-creation
Europe-based applicants only. 18+ only. Applicants must apply on behalf of an eligible business registered and headquartered in Europe for at least one (1) year. To enter: complete the Recycle the Runway application form between 9 February 2026 at 13:00 CET and 28 February 2026 at 23:59 CET. Fifteen (15) finalists will be selected to share a total prize pool of EUR 110,000, subject to the prize structure set out in the full Terms & Conditions. Finalists will be announced online on 9 April 2026, and the Grand Prize Winner will be announced on 6 May 2026 at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen. Selected participants must be available to attend the Global Fashion Summit on 6–7 May 2026. Maximum one (1) entry per person and one (1) prize per person. Prize recipients must claim their prize by responding to the prize notification within fourteen (14) days of receipt and by providing all information reasonably requested by the Organiser. By entering, participants agree to the full Terms & Conditions. For full T&Cs, see LINK. Organiser: Global Fashion Agenda. Sponsor: Visa Europe Ltd, 1 Sheldon Square, London W2 6TT
Visa and GFA may create content, such as images and videos, for shortlisted applicants and use their likeness and content across Visa and GFA channels, advertising and across any platforms intended for promotion. Visa and GFA may use applicants’ entries for marketing, event displays and promotion, including the use of images and videos for promotion activities with full license.
