Nikolaj Storm was awarded the recipient of the Zalando Sustainability Award 2021 during Copenhagen Fashion Week, for his continuing commitment to developing stylish, high-quality, and low-impact products.

The young Copenhagen-based sustainable streetwear label has been recognized for its unisex diverse style that emphasizes patterns and bright colors. The Danish label utilizes eco-friendly materials and packaging and seeks to produce zero waste by redesigning and upcycling pieces from old stock. Nikolaj Storm also provides in-house repairs to assist consumers to extend the life of their garments.

Zalando said that for his diversified use of sustainable materials, Nikolaj Storm was chosen the 2021 Zalando Sustainability Award winner, beating out London-based contenders Teatum Jones and Mother of Pearl. His "fresh, modern perspective on genderless and varied clothes set it apart from the competition.

Anaheta von Berenberg, buying director and designer at Zalando, said that Nikolaj Storm Copenhagen exhibited a strong dedication to more sustainable practices by presenting a variety of innovative materials throughout the collection and brought joy and excitement to Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Berenberg added that it was the brand's unique combination of daring and commitment to more sustainable methods that set it apart from the competition. This is the sort of collection they believe their customers need right now to think about making more sustainable fashion choices.

As the winner, Nikolaj Storm wins 20,000 euros and a collaboration with Zalando to create an exclusive capsule collection that will investigate more sustainable design options in materials, production methods, technology solutions, and traceability.

On winning the Zalando Sustainability Award, creative director Nikolaj Storm, said that winning is a tremendous accomplishment for him, and he is really proud of it. It's been a long journey to get there, and he is thankful to work with such a great group of individuals who have helped him get there. Their ambition is to combine their love for self-expression via fashion with their dedication to more environmentally friendly techniques. This strategy allows them to provide consumers with uncompromising style while also allowing them to purchase in a way that is respectful to people and the environment. 

Storm added that they’re grateful to Zalando for bringing this award to the industry's notice at a time when it is desperately needed. The industry must continue to work harder to discover better methods to promote sustainable principles, and with the help of programs like the Sustainable Development Goals, we can do so. They're looking forward to taking the next stages in their partnership and creating a collection that more fashion enthusiasts across the world can enjoy.

Each of the finalists was also given the opportunity to present their collections during Copenhagen Fashion Week, with Nikolaj Storm's collection 6, named "Techno Teaparty," being inspired by Victorian tea parties as well as Berlin's underground techno culture. This resulted in a cheerful collection with bright colors and eye-catching patterns. It was also made with sustainable and responsible materials including recycled nylon, Tencel, and cork.

Nikolaj Storm Copenhagen's spring/summer 2022 collection, according to the judges, is "the sort of fashion customers are waiting for to realize that more sustainable apparel can be bright, colorful, and exciting!

Zalando will help Nikolaj Storm's business growth by making a "wide selection" of his displayed spring/summer 2022 collection available to its more than 45 million clients across 23 European regions, in addition to developing a collection with him.

A jury of industry professionals, including Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, and model and environmental activist Arizona Muse, judged each of the contenders. They looked examined each label's sustainability initiatives, as well as their collections and commitment to sustainability and creativity. The judges also singled out the runners-up, Mother of Pearl and Teatum Jones, as exceptional examples of businesses that inspire and incorporate sustainability throughout the whole supply chain while creating customized fashion pieces that are wardrobe heroes.

This is the second season of Zalando's three-year relationship with Copenhagen Fashion Week and the first in which foreign designers are allowed to participate. Swedish label House of Dagmar received the first Zalando sustainability award, impressing the judging panel with its "strong sustainable goal" and going on to produce an exclusive collection with the online retailer.