Ahead of his Spring/Summer 2026 collection&mdash;a line teeming with certifiable savoir-faire, in the form of beading, embroidery, and exquisite tailoring&mdash;the designer spoke to L'OFFICIEL&nbsp;about his journey so far, and what the future ahead holds.

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.53707885742188" x="307.4800109863281" y="-465.5" data-test="textbox" id="highlight-tooltip-target">On a hot summer day, Henry Zankov arrives at his New York City</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.07199096679688" x="307.4800109863281" y="-453.5" data-test="textbox"> showroom cool and collected. For a man who&rsquo;s known for his</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.28704833984375" x="307.260009765625" y="-441.5" data-test="textbox"> riotous use of color, he&rsquo;s dealing in subtleties today, dressed in</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.7640380859375" x="307.260009765625" y="-429.5" data-test="textbox"> a light striped linen shirt and a pair of long beige shorts. But color</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.1971435546875" x="307.3699951171875" y="-417.5" data-test="textbox">&mdash;naming it, combining it, and contrasting it&mdash;is never far from</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.420013427734375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.33599853515625" x="307.25" y="-405.5" data-test="textbox"> his mind. As we sit down to chat, my outfit of the day&mdash;a mustard</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2120361328125" x="307.3599853515625" y="-393.5" data-test="textbox"> top, brown linen pants, and kelly green shoes&mdash;catches his</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2359619140625" x="307.260009765625" y="-381.5" data-test="textbox"> eye. &rdquo;Immediately, my mind goes to Portugal,&rdquo; he laughs. </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.1881103515625" x="307.30999755859375" y="-369.5" data-test="textbox">&ldquo;Color is so much information: When I see it, I go somewhere else</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="165.14791870117188" x="307.3699951171875" y="-357.5" data-test="textbox">. It&rsquo;s connected to this sensory feeling.&rdquo; </text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.54998779296875" x="307.42999267578125" y="-333.5" data-test="textbox">Zankov, 44, launched his eponymous brand as a six-sweater capsule</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.15185546875" x="307.3699951171875" y="-321.5" data-test="textbox"> collection in 2020. &ldquo;It was almost like an art project,&rdquo;&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2708740234375" x="307.260009765625" y="-309.5" data-test="textbox">he explains. &ldquo;paintings or something that you would collect.&rdquo; </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="240.92694091796875" x="307.20001220703125" y="-297.5" data-test="textbox">Inspired by brands like Marimekko and Issey Miyake, he envisioned</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="240.66708374023438" x="307.4100036621094" y="-285.5" data-test="textbox">&nbsp;his work as something that would be instantly recognizable</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.56988525390625" x="307.42999267578125" y="-273.5" data-test="textbox">. He has largely succeeded, thanks to his technologically </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.75982666015625" x="307.260009765625" y="-261.5" data-test="textbox">innovative designs and eye for the juiciest color combinations. </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2108154296875" x="307.30999755859375" y="-249.5" data-test="textbox">&ldquo;What makes Zankov unique is the way Henry balances color, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.33480834960938" x="307.2300109863281" y="-237.5" data-test="textbox">texture, and form,&rdquo; says Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4600067138671875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="240.79888916015625" x="307.32000732421875" y="-225.5" data-test="textbox">Fashion Designers of America. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a strong artistic sensi</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="176.68792724609375" x="307.0199890136719" y="-213.5" data-test="textbox">bility, but it&rsquo;s also wearable and thoughtful.&rdquo;</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.81307983398438" x="307.2200012207031" y="-189.5" data-test="textbox">Now, five years in and with a CFDA award to his name, Zankov </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2408447265625" x="307.260009765625" y="-177.5" data-test="textbox">is looking ahead. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want the brand to feel like a newborn </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.470001220703125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.0869140625" x="307.42999267578125" y="-165.5" data-test="textbox">anymore,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;And I don&rsquo;t want [knitwear] to be seen as </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.1358642578125" x="307.42999267578125" y="-153.5" data-test="textbox">all we do, because I&rsquo;m a work in progress.&rdquo; He views his current </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.09478759765625" x="307.42999267578125" y="-141.5" data-test="textbox">approach as &ldquo;completing the wardrobe,&rdquo; a natural expansion of </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2700042724609375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.7637939453125" x="307.260009765625" y="-129.5" data-test="textbox">his work that appears in the Spring/Summer 2026 collection </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="192.21188354492188" x="306.8999938964844" y="-117.5" data-test="textbox">via beading, silk embroidery, and more tailoring.</text>

Zankov’s Fall/Winter 2025 lookbook. Photography by Ice Pong, courtesy of Zankov.

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.470001220703125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.23883056640625" x="307.30999755859375" y="-93.5" data-test="textbox">&ldquo;[Henry] has an acute understanding of everything that goes </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.703857421875" x="307.260009765625" y="-81.5" data-test="textbox">into a garment, from the fibers to the finished piece, but he never</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.156982421875" x="307.3900146484375" y="-69.5" data-test="textbox">&nbsp;takes clothing too seriously,&rdquo; says Yumi Shin, chief </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.62811279296875" x="307.3599853515625" y="-57.5" data-test="textbox">merchandising officer at Bergdorf Goodman, who first met <text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.459991455078125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2311019897461" x="50.43000030517578" y="-309.5" data-test="textbox">Zankov in 2023. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a joy that comes from wearing </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.63500213623047" x="50.43000030517578" y="-297.5" data-test="textbox">Zankov, and that self-determined, inclusive perspective is </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="162.43790817260742" x="50.369998931884766" y="-285.5" data-test="textbox">exactly what makes the brand so special.&rdquo;</text></text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230010986328125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.83793258666992" x="50.20000076293945" y="-261.5" data-test="textbox">In 1994, Zankov watched a Donna Karan fashion show on </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.44000244140625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="245.1439971923828" x="49.91999816894531" y="-249.5" data-test="textbox">TV. At 13, it was a revelation for him. Having moved from </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.44000244140625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.41606903076172" x="50.650001525878906" y="-237.5" data-test="textbox">St. Petersburg, Russia, to Teaneck, New Jersey, just a few </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="191.7419204711914" x="49.93000030517578" y="-225.5" data-test="textbox">years earlier, it was the first time he thought, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="6.75" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="49.90399169921875" x="245.1636962890625" y="-225.5" data-test="textbox">I want to do </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="6.75" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="15.587997436523438" x="50.41999816894531" y="-213.5" data-test="textbox">that</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="228.91201782226562" x="66.12069702148438" y="-213.5" data-test="textbox">. At the time, he was curious about the 1990s minimalists </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="245.17901229858398" x="49.869998931884766" y="-201.5" data-test="textbox">who dominated the era, following Helmut Lang and Yohji </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.7660369873047" x="49.86000061035156" y="-189.5" data-test="textbox">Yamamoto. But Karan was unique. &ldquo;She was interested in </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.30088424682617" x="50.2599983215332" y="-177.5" data-test="textbox">how somebody lives their day-to-day life,&rdquo; he explains. As </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.44000244140625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.76801681518555" x="50.2599983215332" y="-165.5" data-test="textbox">he studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, he found </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.76398849487305" x="50.2599983215332" y="-153.5" data-test="textbox">himself drawn to draping, soft tailoring, and fluidity. By the </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.86799240112305" x="50.22999954223633" y="-141.5" data-test="textbox">time he graduated, he landed a job with Karan as an assistant </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="79.07801818847656" x="50.36000061035156" y="-129.5" data-test="textbox">menswear designer.</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.7270278930664" x="50.31999969482422" y="-105.5" data-test="textbox">From his time at Donna Karan, Zankov learned ease and </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.67486953735352" x="50.40999984741211" y="-93.5" data-test="textbox">sensuality. He then spent five years working for Diane von </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.7238540649414" x="50.31999969482422" y="-81.5" data-test="textbox">Furstenberg, from whom he picked up an interest in color&mdash;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.69281387329102" x="50.40999984741211" y="-69.5" data-test="textbox">something that would come to be a calling card in his work.</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.33483505249023" x="50.310001373291016" y="-57.5" data-test="textbox">&ldquo;I was always afraid of it,&rdquo; he explains. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m grateful for that </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.229999542236328" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.65192413330078" x="50.349998474121094" y="-45.5" data-test="textbox">opportunity to have somebody open my eyes when it comes </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.36201095581055" x="50.22999954223633" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">to color.&rdquo; His Fall/Winter 2025 collection saw the mixing a<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.5428466796875" x="307.42999267578125" y="-237.5" data-test="textbox">nd matching of hues like apple, tobacco, chrome, and citrine. </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.22894287109375" x="307.30999755859375" y="-225.5" data-test="textbox">Brushed boiled cashmere and knitted lam&eacute; offer lush contrasts in</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.7508544921875" x="307.260009765625" y="-213.5" data-test="textbox"> texture, punctuated by paillettes and graphic prints. His&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="209.6239013671875" x="307.239990234375" y="-201.5" data-test="textbox">rule: &ldquo;It can be loud, but it can&rsquo;t be tacky,&rdquo; he laughs.</text></text>

Zankov Fall/Winter 2025 presentation. Photography by Steven Molina Contreras, courtesy of Zankov.

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.5570068359375" x="307" y="-177.5" data-test="textbox">As proven by early customers who&rsquo;d have to buy identical </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.60104370117188" x="307.4100036621094" y="-165.5" data-test="textbox">styles for partners who were constantly stealing the bright </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.12411499023438" x="307.4100036621094" y="-153.5" data-test="textbox">sweaters from their closets, Zankov&rsquo;s clothes aren&rsquo;t defined </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.56619262695312" x="307.0199890136719" y="-141.5" data-test="textbox">by a distinct masculinity or femininity; they&rsquo;re fluid, </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.671875" x="307.3699951171875" y="-129.5" data-test="textbox">designed instead for a customer who is creative and drawn to</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.33590698242188" x="307.2300109863281" y="-117.5" data-test="textbox"> something unexpected. He&rsquo;s seen his pieces worn by Mark&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="240.46194458007812" x="307.5199890136719" y="-105.5" data-test="textbox">Ruffalo, Gabrielle Union, and Laverne Cox. &ldquo;His work transcends</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.58804321289062" x="307.4100036621094" y="-93.5" data-test="textbox"> gender lines, due in part to his expertise as a technical&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.1968994140625" x="307.3699951171875" y="-81.5" data-test="textbox">designer, as well as his own worldview,&rdquo; says Shin. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s a </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="100.9849853515625" x="307.4100036621094" y="-69.5" data-test="textbox">step ahead of the game.</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.229999542236328" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.56298828125" x="307.3900146484375" y="-45.5" data-test="textbox">Last October, Zankov stepped onto the red carpet at the </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.420001983642578" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.51486206054688" x="307.4800109863281" y="-33.5" data-test="textbox">CFDA Awards, with his friend, date, and muse Chloe King, <text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.74603271484375" x="672.25" y="-225.5" data-test="textbox">feeling hopeful. Nominated for Google Shopping American </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.55584716796875" x="672.4600219726562" y="-213.5" data-test="textbox">Emerging Designer of the Year, Zankov found himself seated </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.470001220703125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.787841796875" x="672.25" y="-201.5" data-test="textbox">for the ceremony next to Steven Kolb [CEO of the CFDA], </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="128.075927734375" x="671.8699951171875" y="-189.5" data-test="textbox">which prompted him to wonder: Is this it?</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="6.850006103515625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="34.2080078125" x="802.146484375" y="-189.5" data-test="textbox">&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3100128173828125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="83.63995361328125" x="835.9088745117188" y="-189.5" data-test="textbox">It was. &ldquo;Sitting next </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.2698974609375" x="672.22998046875" y="-177.5" data-test="textbox">to him during his CFDA win was a full-circle moment,&rdquo; says </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.00579833984375" x="672.5599975585938" y="-165.5" data-test="textbox">Kolb. &ldquo;I was proud. It felt like recognition not just of talent, but </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="125.22698974609375" x="672.3499755859375" y="-153.5" data-test="textbox">of quiet consistency and vision.&rdquo;</text></text>

<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="245.0408935546875" x="672" y="-129.5" data-test="textbox">As Zankov walked up to the stage to accept the award, he </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.470001220703125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="244.66986083984375" x="672.3699951171875" y="-117.5" data-test="textbox">could hear his friends (and previous winners) Rachel Scott of </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="241.13287353515625" x="672.2899780273438" y="-105.5" data-test="textbox">Diotima and Christopher John Rogers cheering as his favorite</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.459999084472656" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.20989990234375" x="672.260009765625" y="-93.5" data-test="textbox"> song, &ldquo;I Want Your Love&rdquo; by The Chromatics, played in the</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.345947265625" x="672.22998046875" y="-81.5" data-test="textbox"> background. &ldquo;I was very nervous, but it felt really good to&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.459999084472656" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="247.556884765625" x="672.02001953125" y="-69.5" data-test="textbox">be recognized,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;This little thing that I do hopefully </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="126.92205810546875" x="672.3599853515625" y="-57.5" data-test="textbox">means something to somebody."</text>
He points out that in 2024, he and his CFDA-winning peers <text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.470001220703125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="235.79180908203125" x="933.9125366210938" y="-225.5" data-test="textbox">Scott, Willy Chavarria, and Raul Lopez (of Luar) were not </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.68780517578125" x="933.6124877929688" y="-213.5" data-test="textbox">only all smaller brands taking home the year&rsquo;s top prizes, but </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.56591796875" x="933.6925048828125" y="-201.5" data-test="textbox">also a group of older, more experienced designers. &ldquo;In New </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="239.13079833984375" x="933.1224975585938" y="-189.5" data-test="textbox">York, you have a chance to be a small brand,&rdquo; he explains. &ldquo;I </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.3400115966796875" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.79290771484375" x="933.4924926757812" y="-177.5" data-test="textbox">think there&rsquo;s a lot more opportunity and space for different </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="62.677001953125" x="933.1625366210938" y="-165.5" data-test="textbox">voices to exist.</text>
<text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.2299957275390625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="236.171875" x="933.58251953125" y="-141.5" data-test="textbox">For a kindergarten-aged brand, an award can offer many </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.4199981689453125" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="178.36602783203125" x="933.4924926757812" y="-129.5" data-test="textbox">things. As runner-up to the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="232.55377197265625" x="933.5825805664062" y="-117.5" data-test="textbox"> prize, it meant receiving $100,000 and brand mentorship</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="236.08685302734375" x="933.6725463867188" y="-105.5" data-test="textbox"> from Daniella Vitale, the CEO of Salvatore Ferragamo.&nbsp;</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="236.21502685546875" x="933.5825805664062" y="-93.5" data-test="textbox">For this 2024 win, it meant increased attention, and with </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.230003356933594" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="232.2498779296875" x="933.5225830078125" y="-81.5" data-test="textbox">it, added pressure. Zankov sees his experience as an advan</text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.30999755859375" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.787841796875" x="933.4925537109375" y="-69.5" data-test="textbox">tage&mdash;he&rsquo;s always learning, but he knows who he is. &ldquo;I want </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.339996337890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.85498046875" x="933.4925537109375" y="-57.5" data-test="textbox">to step it up more,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Here we are with a platform </text><text class="_textbox_x434h_15" direction="ltr" height="7.340000152587891" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" textlength="238.6597900390625" x="933.652587890625" y="-45.5" data-test="textbox">now. We can&rsquo;t just be complacent or continue to do what we do. Let&rsquo;s reach for higher ground.&rdquo;</text>

Five Years After Launching His Knitwear Label, Henry Zankov Is Leveling Up

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