About Designers Europe
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
Since its creation in 1989, Designers Europe has been at the forefront of promoting automotive design, including significant innovations like the Alfa Romeo Tonale, and fostering the next generation of talent. Our mission is to bring automotive design into the spotlight through initiatives such as the automotive design competition and the
Since its creation in 1989, Designers Europe has been at the forefront of promoting automotive design, including significant innovations like the Alfa Romeo Tonale, and fostering the next generation of talent. Our mission is to bring automotive design into the spotlight through initiatives such as the automotive design competition and the European Automotive Design Awards, celebrating creativity and innovation while supporting emerging designers in their journey to the top of the industry.
Our Vision
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
For over three decades, Dominique Fontignies has held a singular place in the European automotive design landscape. As the founder of Designers Europe, he has dedicated his career to building bridges between design studios, schools, and manufacturers. A discreet visionary, he is now preparing a new international event dedicated to automot
For over three decades, Dominique Fontignies has held a singular place in the European automotive design landscape. As the founder of Designers Europe, he has dedicated his career to building bridges between design studios, schools, and manufacturers. A discreet visionary, he is now preparing a new international event dedicated to automotive design, scheduled for 2026 — a natural continuation of his mission to elevate design from a mere technical discipline to a true culture. Dominique Fontignies has never sought the spotlight; instead, what drives him is bringing people together. “Design doesn’t live in isolation,” he states. “It only makes sense when it generates dialogue — between creators and manufacturers, between brands and their audiences.” With this conviction, he founded Designers Europe in the late 1980s, creating an independent platform to promote European automotive design and spotlight emerging designers while allowing carmakers to connect with the next generation of creative minds. The idea quickly resonated. In the 1990s, Dominique Fontignies established multiple partnerships with leading car manufacturers. Notably, in 1998, he launched the Renault Automotive Design Competition, which soon became a benchmark in the field. Supported by Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s Design Director, and created for the brand’s centenary, the competition welcomed students and young designers, providing winners a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the inner workings of the French automaker’s design studios. “I wanted them to understand how the industry truly operates,” he recalls. “But I also wanted brands to feel the energy and freshness of this new creative generation.” Over the years, Fontignies has woven an exceptional network at the crossroads of design, media, and the automotive industry, including events like the European Automotive Design Awards. His career is not that of a businessman but of a connector and builder of meaning and relationships. As Director of Designers Europe, he has served on numerous juries, hosted award ceremonies, and promoted design as a universal language at major international events — from Geneva to Paris to Milan. “Automotive design is the mirror of our society,” he observes. “Behind every line, every surface, lies an idea about the world — a vision of who we are and what we aspire to become.” When Dominique Fontignies speaks about design, he speaks about people — about encounters, mentorship, and exchange. “What I love most,” he confides, “is meeting a young designer I once knew fifteen years ago and seeing them today, presenting a concept car like the Alfa Romeo Tonale on a major stage. That’s when the mission of Designers Europe truly takes shape.” Today, Fontignies looks ahead with a new project: a major international event planned for 2026, envisioned as a hybrid platform combining exhibition, competition, and creative forum. “It’s not just about showcasing beautiful cars,” he emphasizes. “We want to explore the transformation of automotive design — its role in sustainability, urban mobility, digital culture, and the redefinition of luxury.” This new event will bring together designers, brands, schools, media, and the public around a shared ambition: to imagine the mobility of tomorrow with coherence, emotion, and responsibility. A philosophy that perfectly embodies Dominique Fontignies’ vision — where design transcends form to become a way of living in the world. More than thirty years after founding Designers Europe, he remains true to his outlook: open, forward-thinking, and deeply human. “In the end,” he concludes, “design is about choosing how to live in the world.” In a world that’s constantly evolving, Dominique Fontignies stands — more than ever — as a builder of bridges between generations, disciplines, and ideas.
Launching New Initiatives
European Automotive Design Awards
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
European Automotive Design Awards
One of our flagship initiatives, the European Automotive Design Competition, first launched in 1989, has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing emerging designers. Many of today’s most renowned automotive designers began their careers through this competition and are now shaping the future of mobility with the world’s leading car
One of our flagship initiatives, the European Automotive Design Competition, first launched in 1989, has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing emerging designers. Many of today’s most renowned automotive designers began their careers through this competition and are now shaping the future of mobility with the world’s leading car manufacturers, including innovations like the Alfa Romeo Tonale. In 1995, we introduced the European Automotive Design Awards to recognize and celebrate outstanding creativity in the industry. By rewarding the most visionary carmakers, these awards have become a benchmark for innovation and excellence in automotive design. Today, Designers Europe is entering a new era. With renewed initiatives and an even stronger commitment to promoting automotive design, we continue to inspire, support, and connect designers with industry leaders. Whether through competitions, awards, or exclusive networking opportunities, we are dedicated to ensuring that automotive design remains at the heart of the industry’s evolution.
Supporting the New Generation
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
European Automotive Design Awards
Beyond celebrating established excellence, the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards will feature a special category dedicated to emerging designers, providing young talents with the platform they need to showcase their work. Through mentorship programs, industry networking, and media exposure, we are committed to shaping the future of a
Beyond celebrating established excellence, the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards will feature a special category dedicated to emerging designers, providing young talents with the platform they need to showcase their work. Through mentorship programs, industry networking, and media exposure, we are committed to shaping the future of automotive design. The countdown has begun—join us as we set the stage for the next era of automotive design excellence! As Designers Europe celebrates the 30th anniversary of the European Automotive Design Awards, it is excited to announce a new organization for 2026 and beyond. This new initiative merges the automotive design competition initiated in 1989 with the design awards, embarking on a fresh journey this year, much like the innovative spirit represented by the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
The European Automotive Design Awards will serve as a new branding initiative from Designers to honor both emerging designers and established professionals in the field. In the upcoming weeks, Designers Europe will reveal the names of the jury members who will be responsible for voting in the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards. This p
The European Automotive Design Awards will serve as a new branding initiative from Designers to honor both emerging designers and established professionals in the field. In the upcoming weeks, Designers Europe will reveal the names of the jury members who will be responsible for voting in the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards. This prestigious automotive design competition will announce its winners at the beginning of 2026 and will feature six categories: 1. Model (car) of the year, featuring vehicles like the Alfa Romeo Tonale, 2. Designer of the year, 3. Concept vehicle of the year, 4. UX Design of the year, 5. Design student of the year*, and 6. Brand identity of the year, along with a 7. Lifetime achievement award*. The design student of the year will be selected from students attending various renowned design schools across Europe, with competing schools for 2026 to be announced soon.