Launched in 2012, the H&M Design Award is preparing for its second edition. For the final, which will take place on 29 January in Stockholm, the Swedish brand has confirmed the 8 young designers that have made it to the final stage of the competition. Originating from 19 European schools, the H&M Design Award finalists focus mainly on women’s fashion with just one menswear designer in the final.

Erik Litzén – the only finalist presenting menswear – will not have to travel far for the event being of Swedish descent and having graduated from Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm. He will be up against Alba Prat from Universität der Kunste in Berlin, Eleonora Bruno from Polimoda in France, Maia Bergman from Central Saint Martins in London, Danish Mark Tan from Design Skolde Kolding, Thom Barends from ArtEZ in Arnhem and Minju Kim who is finishing her masters at the Royal Academy of Anvers. Representing the French is Venezuelan-born Daniela Salazar Rodriguez who studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

Each finalist will receive a 5,000 euros prize, with the winner taking home a scholarship worth 50,000 euros. The winner will also get the chance to show their collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Stockholm as well as working with H&M to develop items from their line. Last year’s winner was Danish Stine Riis.