17-11-2025 Symbiosis or Doom? Fashion in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Report from the 7th National “Emerald Button” Competition
Since May, students from fashion and tailoring schools across Poland have been working on creations inspired by a topic that strongly resonates in today’s public debate: “Symbiosis or Doom? The Future of Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
The grand finale took place on November 13th on the stage of the Municipal Theatre in Leszno, which transformed into a professional fashion runway for several hours.
The 7th edition of the competition, organized by the Technical School Complex – Centre for Vocational and Continuing Education in Leszno, once again proved that the creativity of young designers knows no bounds.
Fashion in Dialogue with Technology
The main theme became a starting point for deep reflection. Searching for answers to the question of humanity’s place in a world increasingly shaped by AI, participants created works combining nature with technology, tradition with modernity, and above all — craftsmanship with bold creativity.
The jury evaluated the projects based on:
- innovation and concept,
- aesthetics and form,
- material selection,
- quality of workmanship,
- consistency with the main theme.
Students from Bielsko-Biała, Żory, Grudziądz, Zielona Góra, Wrocław, Częstochowa, Słupsk, Nowy Targ, Nowy Sącz, Poznań, Bytom, Bydgoszcz, Mińsk Mazowiecki, Lublin, and — of course — Leszno took part in the competition.
Strima Grand Prix – 5,000 PLN for the Best Vision of the Future
The Strima Grand Prix was awarded to Sofia Pylypenko from Słupsk, who received 5,000 PLN to spend at the Strima store.
Her project impressed with its visual courage, fresh perspective on the relationship between humans and technology, and excellent craftsmanship.
Winners of the 7th National Competition for Young Designers and Tailors
1st Place
Paulina Irauth (Bielsko-Biała)
2nd Place
Maja Boczek (Lublin)
3rd Place
Oskar Sukiennik (Częstochowa)
Audience Award
Olga Ratajczak (Leszno)
Honorable Mentions
- Paulina Loranc (Bielsko-Biała)
- Julia Cybulska (Bielsko-Biała)
- Magdalena Jurzec (Nowy Targ)
- Laura Arendarczyk (Leszno)
- Aleksandra Zaremba (Nowy Sącz)
- Julia Brychy (Bielsko-Biała)
- Kinga Zaczyńka (Bielsko-Biała)
- Martyna Pluta (Leszno)
- Alina Shapovenko (Częstochowa)
- Olga Ratajczak (Leszno)
The Creativity of Young Designers Gives Hope for the Future
The 7th National Competition for Young Designers and Tailors once again proves that the future of Polish fashion is in good hands.
Congratulations to all winners and honorees, and our thanks to the organizers — ZST CKZiU in Leszno — for creating an exceptional space for young talent.
