Fashion Regenerated

There is growing evidence that the fashion, textile, and apparel industry can play a role in restoring ecosystems, supporting communities, and strengthening livelihoods.

Under the theme Fashion Regenerated, the 2026 Textile Exchange photography competition, in partnership with Atmos, invites photographers and filmmakers to document how raw materials can be grown and produced in ways that enable both people and landscapes to thrive.
At a time when interest in the regenerative potential of fashion is rapidly growing, the initiative aims to build and amplify the visual evidence illustrating what beneficial change looks like across different contexts, countries, cultures, and materials.

By directly experiencing the challenges and opportunities lived out by those on the ground, visual storytellers are in the unique position to capture diverse perspectives and spotlight the inspirational and thought-provoking moments that can help make complex ideas more tangible. We're looking for stories that show not just what is changing, but why it matters.

The winners

Winners will be selected by a panel of expert judges, and, for the first time, a public vote. The shortlist will be promoted through Textile Exchange and Atmos, amplifying inspirational stories that matter to an engaged audience of thousands.

The overall winner will receive a paid collaborative commission to the value of $10,000 with Textile Exchange to develop a new body of work documenting the evidence of regeneration, working closely with us to identify the right story and access. The winning work will be published through Atmos, Textile Exchange, and on show to an audience of more than 1,300 changemakers at the 2026 Textile Exchange conference.

Two runners up will have their work promoted by Textile Exchange and on display at the conference exhibition. There will also be a cash prize of $2,000.

About Textile Exchange

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving beneficial outcomes for climate and nature across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. We guide a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production, right from the start of the supply chain.​ Our goal is to help the industry to achieve a 45% reduction in the emissions that come from producing fibers and raw materials by 2030. To get there, we are keeping our focus holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity too. ​​For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to positive impact. That's why we believe that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred fibers and materials an accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions, and a driven community. ​At Textile Exchange, materials matter.
To learn more, visit https://textileexchange.org.

About Atmos

Atmos is a nonprofit media organization focused on the cross-pollination of climate and culture, delivering award-winning journalism and creative storytelling through a print magazine, digital features, original newsletters, podcast, and more. Our mission is to re-enchant people with nature. We inspire cultural transformation by illuminating human impact on the planet, the intelligence of the natural world, and solutions to heal and protect it.

What we're looking for

We are seeking photographers and filmmakers aged 18 and over, of any nationality, who have a story that is grounded in a real place and community and captures regeneration as it unfolds.

Your submission could be a new or existing photo story of up to 25 images, a short film, or a combination of both. We are not looking for concept pitches, but work that is already rooted in the world. We also allow mixed media treatments based on original photographs. However, the use of generative AI is not permitted.

Your submission should include a biography and a project statement focused on how the work connects to the theme and evidence of regeneration in specific communities, places, or initiatives on the ground.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in their country of residence and be available to travel for the winning commission at some point between autumn 2026 and summer 2027 (specific timing to be mutually agreed).

All submissions must have the appropriate model releases and third-party clearances to be eligible for prizes. Textile Exchange will request releases to hold on file (including audio releases for moving image soundtrack) ahead of publication of winners, in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.