YKK London Showroom Awards: Backing London’s Next Generation of Designers

The YKK London Showroom Award is back for a second year, returning after a hugely successful launch in 2025. Ten finalists have been selected, and the winner and runner-up of each award will be announced at an exclusive event at the YKK London Showroom on 22 October.

The award builds on the showroom’s decade-long role as a creative hub for designers and students. Opened in Shoreditch in 2015, near the historic textile centres of Whitechapel and Spitalfields, it offers workshops, bespoke services and practical support to help emerging creatives bring their ideas to life.

Launched in 2025, the first edition attracted more than 70 applications and selected ten finalists, whose work was showcased during the showroom’s tenth-anniversary celebrations. Building on that success, the 2026 award once again challenges students to use YKK fastening products in original and imaginative ways.

The 2026 competition is open to students at any UK college or university, as well as 2026 graduates of fashion-related degrees, including fashion, textile, accessory and jewellery design. Entry was free, with applicants supported through a series of workshops held from June to August.

“I am absolutely delighted to be able to welcome YKK London Showroom Award again this year, following the momentous inaugural edition.

As one of the judges I looked through every single project applied for this award, I found the standard of the work is remarkably high and I am fairly satisfied with the 10 finalists’ items. I promise an exciting evening is expected on the 22nd.”

This year’s programme features two awards. The YKK London Showroom Award offers a £2,000 prize, while the Kei Kagami Award, funded by Kei Kagami Ltd., offers £1,000. A runner-up for each award will also receive their choice of YKK products worth up to £100.

YKK is proud of its Japanese heritage, and it shows in how the showroom works. Founded in Tokyo in 1934, the company is guided by the CYCLE OF GOODNESS® philosophy: "no one prospers without rendering benefit to others". Supporting emerging designers is one way that philosophy is put into practice. The showroom's design, led by Kagami who used to be an architect, reflects the same heritage. It brings an industrial "ironworks" concept together with influences from Japanese Noh theatre.

The winners and runners-up will be revealed at an exclusive event from 6pm to 9pm on 22 October at the YKK London Showroom, 154 Commercial Street, London E1 6NU. The evening will bring together the finalists from both awards, with the judges sharing their perspectives on the shortlisted projects and winning designs. To learn more about the YKK London Showroom, follow @ykklondonshowroom on Instagram.

About YKK

YKK is a global leader in fastening solutions, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. With operations in more than 70 countries and regions worldwide, YKK provides, fastening products and architectural solutions that support a wide range of industries. As a long-standing partner to the sports, outdoor and apparel sectors, YKK works closely with brands to develop high- performance products that enhance functionality, durability and design. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, YKK helps shape the future of the industries it serves.