The LVMH Prize 2023 has revealed the names of the nine finalists for this year’s highly anticipated competition. A notable shift from previous years is the presence of four self-taught designers among the finalists, indicating a move away from the traditional dominance of fashion schools in the industry. The finalists, Aaron Esh, Bettter, Burc Akyol, Diotima, Luar, Magliano, Paolina Russo, Quira, and Setchu, showcase a diverse range of talent and creativity.
It is worth mentioning that four of the finalists are graduates of Central Saint Martins, a renowned fashion school known for its influential status in the industry. This highlights the school’s continued impact on shaping the future of fashion.
These nine finalists were carefully chosen from an initial pool of 2,400 candidates, which was then narrowed down to 22 semi-finalists. The semi-finalists had the opportunity to present their ideas at LVMH’s headquarters in Paris during Paris Fashion Week in early March. The final winner of the competition will be announced on June 7th at the prestigious Louis Vuitton Foundation, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry.
The LVMH Prize, now in its 10th edition, was established by Delphine Arnault, the CEO of Christian Dior Couture. The winner of the main prize will receive a substantial award of €300,000, while the recipient of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize will be awarded €150,000. Both winners will also receive a year of invaluable mentoring within the LVMH Group. Additionally, all the finalists have already received €10,000 for reaching this stage of the competition, which serves as a significant financial boost for emerging designers early in their careers.
Each of the nine finalists brings a unique perspective and design aesthetic to the competition. Aaron Esh, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, has gained attention for his innovative menswear and exceptional tailoring. Bettter, a self-taught Ukrainian designer, has captivated audiences with her exaggerated proportions and bold style since launching her label in 2019. Burc Akyol, a Paris-based designer and graduate of IFM, showcases gender-fluid designs and retro-futuristic silhouettes.
Diotima, founded by Rachel Scott, a graduate of the prestigious Istituto Marangoni, combines Jamaican influences with breathtaking knitwear. Luar, created by self-taught designer Raul Lopez, is known for its gothic-inspired tailoring and unforgettable runway presentations. Luca Magliano, another self-taught talent, has made waves in the industry with his street tailoring showcased during Milan Fashion Week.
Paolina Russo, founded by Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard, both alumni of Central Saint Martins, specializes in body-conscious knits with an ergonomic and superheroine aesthetic. Quira, a designer from Rome who has previously worked at Jil Sander and Celine, presented nonchalantly sculptural silhouettes and a feminine interpretation of deconstruction during her brand’s debut in Milan in September 2021. Finally, Setchu by Satoshi Kuwata, a former Central Saint Martins student from Japan, brings together genderless knitwear, refined fencing shirts, and smartly proportioned classics.
The semi-finalist jury, which played a crucial role in the selection process, consisted of approximately 80 influential members from various creative fields, including magazine editors, critics, stylists, influencers, models, artists, and actors. The final jury, responsible for choosing the ultimate winner, features key LVMH designers such as Jonathan Anderson, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs, Kim Jones, Nigo, Stella McCartney, and Silvia Venturini Fendi. Delphine Arnault, Jean-Paul Claverie, and Sidney Toledano also sit on the final jury, ensuring a diverse and knowledgeable panel.
Past winners of the LVMH Prize, including S.S. Daley, Nensi Dojaka, Thebe Magugu, and Grace Wales Bonner, have experienced unparalleled success and recognition in the fashion industry following their victories. The Special Prize, awarded to designers who demonstrate exceptional talent, has been won by iconic brands such as Jacquemus, Rokh, and Hood by Air. The LVMH Prize has firmly established itself as a prestigious accolade, catapulting winners to new heights within the global fashion community.
If you are interested in learning more about the LVMH Prize and the finalists, you can visit the official LVMH Prize website (insert link here) for additional information. Additionally, to stay updated with the latest news and developments in the fashion industry, check out a reputable fashion publication such as Vogue (insert link here).
