LVMH Prize 2025 names eight finalists

The LVMH Prize has revealed the names of eight finalists in this year’s edition, as three UK-based designers enter the final round of the prestigious award.

 
The eight were selected from a group of 20 semi-finalists who participated in the LVMH Young Fashion Creators Award, when they presented their ideas on March 5 and 6 in Paris.
 
“At the 12th edition of the LVMH Prize, the collections of the semi-finalists highlighted a rich diversity of backgrounds and creative visions. They each displayed an inspiring level of expertise in tailoring, craftsmanship, as well as great refinement, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them all,” said Delphine Arnault, CEO of Dior and the brainchild behind the awards.

With prize money of €300,000 for first prize, and €150,000 for the adjoining Karl Lagerfeld Prize, the LVMH Prize is one of the richest anywhere in fashion for emerging talent. This year’s final will be held at the Fondation Louis Vuitton on September 3.
 
A jury composed of over 80 Prize Experts, with a participation by the general public, selected the following eight, listed alphabetically.

 
Led by French designer Alain Paul, who showed women’s, men’s and unisex collections in inventive sculptural forms.
 
Followed by All-In by the duo of Benjamin Barron from the USA, and Bror August Vestbø from Norway, who presented women’s and unisex collections – featuring a fabulous frou frou gown accessorized with giant pearl necklaces.  
 
From Italy, came Francesco Murano, a highly skillful draper.
 
From Japan, Soshi Otsuki, an exciting new talent in menswear.
 
Steve O Smith, from the United Kingdom, showed women’s and men’s collections – notable for their cut-out graphic style and bold sense of deconstruction.
 
A second London-based talent is Tolu Coker, with a brilliant blend of African iconography and prints coupled with bravura cutting and tailoring.
 
Also from the UK, Torishéju Dumi, whose women’s and men’s collections had a dynamic edgy grandeur.
 
And, finally, Zomer by Danial Aitouganov, a Dutch talent whose women’s shows in Paris have been highly acclaimed for several seasons.
 
“I would also like to sincerely thank our Committee of Experts for their renewed support. I wish all the candidates good luck and look forward to meeting them again at the 2025 final of the of the LVMH Prize,” concluded Arnault.

At the final in September, the Jury will choose the winner of the LVMH Prize 2025; and winners for the Karl Lagerfeld Prize and the Savoir-Faire Prize, a distinction that rewards excellence in craftsmanship, technical innovation and the sustainable approach of the selected brands.