Promotion: German luggage brand Rimowa has announced the fourth edition of the Rimowa Design Prize, an annual programme dedicated to championing the next generation of creatives.
The competition, which is in its fourth year, aims to highlight the work of young designers. It seeks innovative design projects that tackle global issues and lead to meaningful change.
Matylda Krzykowski is a transdisciplinary practitioner and artistic director at Civic
Last year’s winning prize went to HOTTIE, a belt that eases menstrual pain by Elisabeth Lorenz and Marc Hackländer.
The prize the year before went to Janne Kreimer with a “pressure-technology waistcoat” designed to relieve anxiety through deep pressure stimulation.
Tim Richter is head of industrial design at Siemens Healthineers
Other projects that have received special mentions include a wearable safety device by Daniela Lindenberga to enhance user safety when out and about, and Standalone by Niels Cremer and Tom Kemter, which aims to improve the functionality and aesthetic of the classic forearm crutch.
This year’s competition also calls for proposals that allow users to have more freedom of mobility, with Rimowa asking for projects that “explore movement” in everyday life.
This can range from medical devices to transportation and urban design solutions.
Hanne Willmann is the founder of Studio Hanne Willmann
The competition runs until May 2026, and students must submit their research and ideas by 9 December 2025.
Seven finalists will receive awards. The winner will be granted €20,000, while the runner-up will be awarded €10,000. The finalists in third through seventh place will each receive €5,000.
Clemens Poloczek is the founder and creative director of Ignant
Rimowa’s programme is supported by 42 leading universities across Germany. Universities taking part include Bauhaus University Weimar, Berlin University of the Arts and University of Fine Arts Hamburg.
Rimowa explained that the mentors will offer students guidance, coaching them to transform their bold ideas into real-world solutions that “pave the way for the future of design”.
Konstantin Grcic is the founder of Konstantin Grcic Design
The experts who will make up the jury include vice president of photo and design at Leica Camera AG, Stefan Daniel; partner and art director at e15, Farah Ebrahimi; founder of Konstantin Grcic Design, Konstantin Grcic; transdisciplinary practitioner and artistic director at Civic, Matylda Krzykowski; founder and creative director of Ignant, Clemens Poloczek; head of industrial design at Siemens Healthineers, Tim Richter; and founder of Studio Hanne Willmann, Hanne Willmann.
Honorary jury members include chairman at Rimowa, Alexandre Arnault, and CEO at Rimowa, Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert.
Throughout the process, students will gain access to exclusive networking opportunities. They’ll also be invited to visit their mentor’s workspace and experience a professional design environment.
Stefan Daniel is vice president of photo and design at Leica Camera AG
Rimowa was founded in Cologne, Germany, in 1898. The brand produces premium luggage, placing quality and innovation at its core.
Its annual competition intends to highlight the brand’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship while focusing on sustainable, pioneering design.
Farah Ebrahimi is a partner and art director at e15
Discover more about the Rimowa Design Prize here.
Partnership content
This article was written by Dezeen for Rimowa as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.