qeenew has been awarded!
I’m incredibly proud to share that qeenew has been awarded the Formex Sustainability Award 2026. The award highlights companies and designers who place sustainability at the heart of both concept and execution and to receive this recognition means more than words can describe.
Formex is one of the Nordic region’s leading trade fairs for design, interiors, and fashion, and each year the Sustainability Award celebrates initiatives that show a responsible, long-term approach to materials, production, and design. Being selected among this year’s nominees is an honour in itself, winning the award is truly overwhelming.
A Recognition of Craft, Circularity, and Small-Scale Production
qeenew was awarded the Sustainability Award for its work with reused textiles and its small-scale, craft-based approach to fashion. Every garment is made from carefully selected, pre-loved home textiles such as curtains, tablecloths, and bed linen that are given a new life as one-of-a-kind pieces.
“To win this award means so much to me. It confirms that small-scale, craft-based work with reused textiles has a natural and important place in our time. The recognition gives me both courage and energy to continue developing qeenew and to keep highlighting the value of the textiles that already exist,”
says Lisa Setterberg, founder of qeenew.
Design at qeenew always begins with the material. Patterns are developed with minimal waste in mind, defects are carefully cut away, and every usable centimetre of fabric is respected and put to use. Each piece already carries a history and is made to be worn, loved, repaired, and lived with for a long time to come.
About the Award and the Jury
The Formex Sustainability Award recognises companies and designers whose work reflects conscious material choices, responsible production methods, circular thinking, transparency, and long product lifespans. For the 2026 edition, eight contributions were nominated and presented in a curated exhibition during the fair.
The jury for the Formex Sustainability Award 2026 consisted of five experts within sustainability, design, and interiors:
- Maria Soxbo – sustainability journalist and lecturer (jury chair)
- Maria Lagerman – circular business and concept development
- Malin Jensen – interior stylist with a sustainability focus
- Emma Olbers – designer focused on sustainable development
- Daniel Svahn – interior architect and designer
“It’s always inspiring to review the nominations and see the wide range of products and industries represented. What’s especially encouraging is that reuse is clearly increasing — more and more companies are finding ways to work with what already exists. Since production often accounts for the largest part of a product’s climate impact, this is an important step forward,”
says Maria Soxbo, jury chair.
A Sculptural Prize with Meaning
As part of the award, qeenew received a sculptural artwork by artist Susanne Pontus Persson. The piece is part of her series SPILL and is created from marble offcuts from both her own and others’ production — a beautiful and powerful symbol of transforming leftover materials into something meaningful.
Looking Ahead
Winning the Formex Sustainability Award 2026 is both a moment of gratitude and a motivation to continue. It strengthens my belief in slow fashion, circular design, and working with care, intention, and respect for what already exists.
Thank you to Formex, the jury, and everyone who believes in qeenew’s way of creating one garment at a time, with history, heart, and long-term value.
Photo credit: Angelica Liljenroth for Formex
