The Pratt Institute will award its 2026 Fashion Visionary Award to Korina Emmerich, a New York-based fashion designer from the Puyallup tribe. Emmerich founded Emme Studio in 2015, blending Indigenous heritage with sustainable practices. The recognition highlights her contributions to social and climate justice in fashion.
Korina Emmerich, who has roots in the Puyallup tribe, will receive the Pratt Fashion Visionary Award in 2026 from the New York art and design school. Her brand, Emme Studio, integrates cultural traditions with modern, ethical fashion design. Pratt Institute values her approach, which aligns with its emphasis on sustainability, including requirements for students to use repurposed materials in collections. Emmerich's work has appeared at fashion weeks and museums, challenging conventional industry norms and amplifying underrepresented voices. The upcoming 2026 Pratt Shows: Fashion event will celebrate her achievements alongside student showcases. Pratt Institute, known for nurturing emerging talent, sees Emmerich's designs as a platform for community building and environmental responsibility.
