Andam, the prestigious fashion competition for emerging designers, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year with a series of exciting events and engaging content across social media platforms. This milestone year is made even more special by having Anthony Vaccarello, creative director of renowned fashion brand Saint Laurent, as the chairperson of the competition. This marks the first time a designer has taken on this pivotal role. The significance of Vaccarello’s involvement is further amplified as Pierre Bergé, the late president of the Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent, played a crucial role in the establishment of the Andam prize back in 1989. To honor this connection, Vaccarello will also collaborate with Swarovski in designing the competition trophies.
To commemorate the 35th anniversary, Andam has organized a series of captivating events. An elegant evening event will take place on March 1 at Maxim’s, in partnership with Who’s Next and its Première Classe salon. Additionally, Galeries-Lafayette will host a tour of the store in June and July, showcasing all previous prize-winning collections. Throughout the year, the Andam association will utilize its Instagram account and other social media platforms to share posts about former prize-winners under the theme of “What have they become?,” featuring archival images and updates on their current endeavors. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs will also pay tribute to past winners by featuring the silhouettes they created for Andam, which will be donated to the museum.
Stéphane Ashpool, the grand prize winner in 2015, will also be part of the exuberant celebrations, although specific details have not yet been disclosed. This year, Andam received an impressive number of around 350 applications and will select four finalists for each of the main categories: Grand Prix, Special Prize, Pierre Bergé Prize, and Accessories Prize. Additionally, a panel of experts will choose the finalists for the Innovation prize. The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced on June 27.
Andam has established a robust ecosystem to support young designers, involving key industry players who provide both financial and strategic support. Partner fashion houses extend their support to the Grand Prix winners, while other sponsors back winners of various other categories. Nathalie Dufour, the founder of Andam, emphasizes the vital support the association received in the 1980s and the instrumental role that Pierre Bergé played in its success. She highlights the collective commitment of everyone involved and the tangible impact that the prizes have on the flourishing careers of the winners.
Useful Links:
– Official Andam Website
– Andam on Instagram
