By Jessica Ye (Jessica Yap)
There is a rare, electric thrill in looking at an object and knowing it was built by someone who refused to take the easy way out. The 2026 edition of the A’ Design Award & Competition has officially opened its doors, and for the dreamers and the obsessives who have spent the last year refining a project until it was perfect, the stage is set. This isn’t about playing it safe. It is a sharp, international arena where pure glam factor meets a level of substance that is increasingly rare to find.
At Couture Troopers, we have always kept an observant eye on the creators who manage to cut through the noise. This competition is the ultimate litmus test, identifying the works that make our daily lives a bit more intelligent and a lot more stunning.
To understand the weight of this call, one only needs to look at the past 2025 winners who have already carved their names into the record. These aren’t just entries; they are statements of intent.
Take Spring Dance by Mehragin Rahmati (pictured above), a necklace that translates the kinetic grace of ballet and ribbon dance into a static, glittering form. Or consider the Fenc Thermobionic Bionic Knitting Fabrics (below left). Far Eastern New Century Corporation has performed a masterclass in upcycling, turning wood waste into a bio-based polyester that brings a sleek, climate-conscious edge to the modern wardrobe
Even at ground level, the shift is visible. Long Zhang’s 160X 6.0 Pro Shoes (below right) prove that even the most traditional footwear can be re-engineered with a contemporary, razor-sharp bite.
The aesthetic discipline extends beyond the runway. Blazer (below left), a pendant fixture by Ninglu Zhang, earned its Bronze A’ Design Award through pure geometric wit. Constructed from a single flat sheet of felt and assembled without a single tool, it turns tailoring-inspired folds into a sculptural, moody illumination.
Then there is the Moutai Dream Red Wine Packaging by Heijie He (below right). This isn’t just a bottle; it’s a study in the “Dream Red” exclusivity. By ditching the usual vineyard tropes for high-end cultural symbols and sharp brand recognition, the design elevates the Moutai IP into a realm that feels as much like a fashion statement as it does a luxury spirit.
Winning here is a strategic play for any creator ready to break out of their bubble. The A’ Design Prize is a massive push into the international spotlight, offering a seat at a table very few get to join. We are talking about a night in Como to talk shop with the real power players—ambassadors, thinkers, and the design elite—at the Italian Gala. It is about a spot on the World Design Rankings, a definitive leaderboard that documents your standing against the best in the world. No fluff, just rank.
The clock is ticking for the 2026 cycle. Designers have until 28 February 2026 to get their work in front of the jury. If the work has the resolve to match its style, it belongs here.
Submit your entries at competition.adesignaward.com before the 28 February cutoff.
