On Wednesday June 3rd 2026, the Cultuurfonds and the Dutch Fashion Foundation will present the 15th celebration of the Netherlands’ largest fashion prize: the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium. Starting at 5:00 PM (17:00 CEST), the new recipient will be announced and celebrated at cultural space Felix Meritis in Amsterdam. It marks the 15th anniversary of the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium platform, through which three-quarters of a million euros has been invested in Dutch fashion talent since 2011! The ceremony is open to everyone to attend digitally via a livestream, and the online Virtual Gallery honors previous recipients of the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium.
The Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium for exceptionally and advanced Dutch fashion designers was established in 2011 by an anonymous benefactor at Het Cultuurfonds. It is the biggest grant available to individual fashion designers in the Netherlands and consists of a financial incentive of €50.000,- euro and a passed-on trophy designed by Atelier Ted Noten. The grant enables the designer to take the necessary steps in the further development of the label and brand. The Mode Stipendium positions itself as an incentive and achievement prize. It is the most prestigious acknowledgement a fashion designer can receive within the contemporary Dutch fashion field. Designers who qualify for the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium have been individually running a unique fashion design label for a considerable time and are based in the Netherlands. They put Dutch fashion nationally and internationally on the map with a unique signature and have developed an exceptional quality within their collection and in their business strategy.
Cathelijne Broers, director het Cultuurfonds: “I’m incredibly happy that we get to present this prize for the 15th time to yet another fashion talent our country is fortunate to have. Money that can serve as a springboard, for enhancing a collection, or as the freedom to experiment and create a new line. Receiving that capacity is not a given in a sector that sets high standards but often receives little structural support. It is wonderful that we can make this possible every year for a recipient, thanks to the generous donation of 50,000 euros from our anonymous benefactor. Long live giving!”
Previous recipients of the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium are Duran Lantink (2025), Camiel Fortgens (2024) Mohamed Benchellal (2023), MAISON the FAUX (2022), Claes Iversen (2021), Erik Frenken (2019), Bas Kosters (2018), Ronald van der Kemp (2017), Iris van Herpen (2016), Youasme Measyou (2015), Jan Taminiau (2014), Truus and Riet Spijkers (2013), Francisco van Benthum (2012) and Ilja Visser (2011).
Angélique Westerhof, director Dutch Fashion Foundation: “The Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium is a valuable constant in a fickle world. For 15 years, it has offered a platform for the Dutch fashion sector and fashion lovers, an annual moment to recognize and celebrate our top talents. The uniqueness and diversity of our contemporary fashion talent continues to amaze, and we are grateful to have been able to give a substantial boost together to all those autonomous artistic careers. We will continue to cherish these qualities for a stable Dutch fashion future. Here’s to the next 15 years!”
Digital work of previous recipients of the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium can be viewed and experienced in the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium Virtual Gallery. This specially developed Digital Gallery of Honor with fashion art offers designers who have received the Culltuurfonds Mode Stipendium in the past years an innovative way to present their recent work and special projects and will also be updated again in de run-up to the event.
Signing up for the livestream of the celebration of the 15th Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium is possible through the website van de Dutch Fashion Foundation.
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About Het Cultuurfonds
The Cultuurfonds invests 50 million euros per year in culture and nature. In more than 4,000 projects and individuals throughout the Netherlands, in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, and in Suriname. We do this with financial contributions from the VriendenLoterij and Nederlandse Loterij, from donors, from bequests, and together with our partners. Associations, foundations, cultural institutions, nature organizations, and individual artists can apply for a contribution for their project. The Cultuurfonds also invests in culture and nature on its own initiative and awards prizes and scholarships.
cultuurfonds.nl
instagram.com/cultuurfonds
About Dutch Fashion Foundation
Dutch Fashion Foundation has been selected as a partner by Het Cultuurfonds in the implementation of the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium. With its unparalleled experience in guiding Dutch top talents in the highest fashion segment, the Dutch Fashion Foundation contributes to the outcome of the stipend at various levels; from selection procedure and production of the event to guidance of the recipient.
dutchfashionfoundation.com
instagram.com/dutchfashionfoundation
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Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium Edition 15 Gif image developed by @studioultradeluxe
Fashion design and photography:
@benchellal by @timverhallen_photography with muze @iammarpessa
@camielfortgens by @samlucamorsink
@claesiversen by @teampeterstigter
@maisonthefaux by @ninu.png with talent @mari_musante
@duranlantinkyo by Luca Tombolini