LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi has emerged victorious at the highly esteemed Grand Prix during the 2023 Andam Fashion award. The announcement, made at Jardins du Palais Royal, ignited great excitement and was met with thunderous applause from the audience. This year, a historic moment for the competition, saw the presentation of two Special Prizes. Ester Manas, along with her partner Balthazar Delepierre, known for championing inclusive fashion since the launch of their brand in 2019, was among the fortunate winners. The other Special Prize was awarded to Duran Lantik, an upcycling brand residing in Amsterdam and Paris. In celebration of this special occasion, the sponsors collectively decided to increase the prize fund by an additional €100,000.
Further accolades were bestowed upon Arthur Avellano, founder of a French label specializing in latex clothing, who received the Pierre Bergé Prize. Ruslan Baginskiy, a Ukrainian designer, secured the Fashion Accessories Prize. Another category, the Innovation Award, introduced in 2017, had already been announced in April, honoring an Italian firm specializing in bio-manufactured materials derived from mycelium. The total prize fund for the competition saw an increase from €700,000 to a record-breaking €800,000, ensuring the winners also receive a year’s worth of mentoring from an esteemed patron of the arts.
Louis Gabriel Nouchi, the deserving recipient of the Grand Prix, presents refined fashion that artfully blends sportswear and tailoring. His designs explore fresh concepts of masculinity, boasting beautiful cuts and an unwavering devotion to intricate details and high-quality materials. After launching his menswear brand, LGN, in collaboration with Pauline Duval, the managing director of the Duval property group, Nouchi’s creations have been made available in his boutique in Paris, his e-shop, and various other retailers.
Nouchi’s journey into the realm of fashion began in 2014 when he graduated from the ‘Ecole nationale supérieure des arts visuels de La Cambre’ in Brussels. Recognized for his talent and creativity, he received a prize for his graduating class that same year. In addition, he was selected as a finalist for the Hyères Fashion Festival. Nouchi garnered invaluable experience through an internship at Vogue Paris and working under Raf Simons in Antwerp before establishing his own label. With a strong commitment to environmentally-conscious clothing, Nouchi has experienced tremendous sales growth in recent years. Winning the Andam Grand Prix will provide him with the resources and recognition necessary to confidently manage this growth.
Nouchi’s fashion vision defies boundaries and stereotypes. His brand fosters an urban community that transcends gender, sexual orientation, and clichéd norms. It joyously celebrates sensuality, attracting customers who appreciate the label’s authenticity and trustworthiness. Nouchi takes pride in showcasing his diverse and inclusive customer base on the catwalk, embodying the diversity and inclusivity his brand represents.
In addition to the Grand Prix, Nouchi will receive a prize of €300,000 and the chance to be mentored by Riccardo Bellini, the CEO of Chloé and the patron of the 34th Andam edition. The other winners, Ester Manas and Duran Lantik, will also have the opportunity to be mentored by industry experts, further refining and developing their brands.
For years, the Andam Fashion award has dedicated itself to recognizing emerging talent and promoting innovation within the fashion industry. This year’s competition showcased a selection of finalists with unique visions and interpretations of fashion. Notably, Ester Manas challenged traditional norms with her inclusive designs that cater to a wide range of sizes. Her runway shows in Paris captivatingly feature stunning models adorned in daring and sexy outfits, elegantly avoiding the line of vulgarity.
The jury faced a difficult decision, as all the finalists showcased remarkable creativity, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit. The other finalists included Andrea Adamo from Italy, Marie-Christine Statz’s Gauchere, and the Maison Gmbh duo of Benjamin Alexander Huseby and Serhat Isik. The Pierre Bergé prize finalists were Avellano’s label, Ouest Paris by Arthur Robert, and Alice Vaillant’s Vaillant Studio.
During the previous year, the Andam Grand Prix was awarded to the Botter label, while designer Robert Wun secured the Special Prize. The 35th anniversary of the competition marks a significant milestone in its history. Saint Laurent’s CEO, Francesca Bellettini, will sponsor the 2024 Andam Prize, allowing for a tribute to Pierre Bergé, the co-founder of the competition and former president of the Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent.
The Andam Fashion award continues to discover and support emerging talent, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry. The recognition and resources provided by the competition serve as a launchpad for designers, propelling them towards success and cementing their place in fashion history.
Useful links:
1. Andam Fashion award website
2. LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi official website
