The LVMH Prize is back for its 12th edition, and if you thought last year was big, think again! With over 2,300 hopefuls throwing their designer hats into the ring, the competition is fiercer than ever. Twenty rising-star brands have been handpicked to battle it out in the semi-finals on March 5th and 6th in Paris.
From avant-garde tailoring to audacious embellishments, this year’s crop of young designers is serving a diverse and dynamic showcase of what’s next in luxury. Notably, for the first time, Egypt, Ghana, and Saudi Arabia are stepping onto the scene, marking a milestone in the prize’s global reach.
A Prize That’s Evolving with the Industry
The LVMH Prize has long been the golden ticket for young designers looking to make their mark. But beyond the prestige (and the very tempting €400,000 cash prize), it’s the mentorship and visibility that truly propel these talents into the big leagues.
The inclusion of the Savoir-Faire Prize last year signaled a growing focus on craftsmanship, sustainability, and heritage techniques—values that are becoming increasingly crucial in the ever-conscious luxury industry. As Delphine Arnault put it, this year’s cohort continues to push boundaries, balancing innovation with tradition.
Who’s in the Running?
The 2025 semi-finalists are a thrilling mix of seasoned competitors and fresh faces. We see the return of Renaissance Renaissance (2021) and Soshiotsuki (2016), proving that persistence in fashion can indeed pay off. Meanwhile, brands like Yasmin Mansour from Egypt and Boyedoe from Ghana are set to bring fresh cultural narratives to the table.
And let’s not forget the genderless fashion movement—it’s stronger than ever, with multiple brands presenting collections that defy traditional menswear and womenswear norms.
photo: @LVMH PRIZE FOR YOUNG FASHION DESIGNERS, 12TH EDITION
What to Expect This Year?
If history is any indicator, we’re in for bold statements, daring silhouettes, and a hefty dose of drama. Expect a stronger emphasis on sustainability, digital innovation, and cultural storytelling. The public vote element (March 5-9) also means that, once again, fashion lovers worldwide get a say in shaping the future of luxury.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an LVMH Prize without a little intrigue—will an underdog rise to steal the crown? Will sustainability-focused designers finally take center stage? And who will win over the notoriously discerning committee of over 80 fashion experts?
One thing is certain: come March, Paris will be buzzing with the energy of fashion’s next big names. Get ready for a show!
2025 LVMH PRIZE: THE TWENTY SEMI-FINALISTS
ALAINPAUL by Alain Paul, France, womenswear, menswear and genderless collections
ALL-IN by Benjamin Barron, United States, and Bror August Vestbø, Norway, womenswear and genderless collections
BOYEDOE by David Boye-Doe Kusi, Ghana, genderless collections
FRANCESCO MURANO by Francesco Murano, Italy, womenswear
JOSH TAFOYA by Josh Tafoya, United States, genderless collections
KML by Ahmed Hassan, Saudi Arabia, menswear and genderless collections
MERUERT TOLEGEN by Meruert Planul-Tolegen, United States, womenswear
MFPEN by Sigurd Bank, Denmark, womenswear and menswear
NICKLAS SKOVGAARD by Nicklas Skovgaard, Denmark, womenswear
PENULTIMATE by Xiang Gao, China, genderless collections
PILLINGS by Ryota Murakami, Japan, womenswear
RENAISSANCE RENAISSANCE by Cynthia Merhej, Lebanon, womenswear
SINEAD O’DWYER by Sinéad O’Dwyer, Ireland, womenswear
SOSHIOTSUKI by Soshi Otsuki, Japan, menswear
STEVE O SMITH by Steve O Smith, United Kingdom, womenswear and menswear TOLU COKER by Tolu Coker, United Kingdom, womenswear
TORISHEJU by Torishéju Dumi, United Kingdom, womenswear and menswear YASMIN MANSOUR by Yasmin Mansour, Egypte, womenswear
YOUNG N SANG by Sang Lim Lee et Youngshin Hong, South Korea, menswear ZOMER by Danial Aitouganov, the Netherlands, womenswear.
