The LVMH Prize, a renowned competition for emerging fashion designers, has announced its 20 semi-finalists for its ninth edition. The competition received an impressive 1,900 entries from all corners of the globe, and out of these, 20 brands representing 13 different countries were selected. This year, for the first time ever, a designer from Sri Lanka, Amesh Wijesekera, has made it to the semi-finals with his unisex brand Amesh.
The line-up of semi-finalists for the LVMH Prize showcases a diverse range of talent and cultures. The top ten brands in the competition hail from Europe, with two French brands (Bluemarble by Anthony Alvarez and Weinsanto by Victor Brunstein Weinsanto) and two Spanish brands (Paula Canova del Vas and Palomo Spain by Alejandro Gòmez Palomo) making the cut. Other European semi-finalists include two British brands (Maximilian by Maximilian Davis and S.S. Daley by Steven Stokey Daley), KNWLS by English designer Charlotte Knowles, Canadian Alexandre Arsenault, Irish designer Róisín Pierce, Belgian designer Meryll Rogge, and Italian creator Niccolò Pasqualetti.
Asia has also made a significant impact in the selection process, with several candidates already making a name for themselves in the UK or the US. Alongside Amesh Wijesekera’s brand, the semi-finalists include two Chinese brands (Chenpeng by Peng Chen and Yueqi Qi), New York-based South Korean designer Ashlynn Park, and Goom Heo from South Korea. Japanese designer Ryunosuke Okazaki and his brand RyunosukeOkazaki have also made the cut.
Representing the United States are Airei by Drew Curry, Erl by Eli Russell Linnetz, and Winnie New York by Idris Balogun. Africa is represented by Tokyo James by Iniye Tokyo James, who will be showcasing their designs in Milan next week. The selection is a testament to the wide diversity of cultures and talents, with collections catering to men, women, and unisex fashion.
Delphine Arnault, the supervisor of the luxury group’s fashion contest, has emphasized the optimistic and innovative vision shared by all 20 semi-finalists. Sustainability and eco-responsibility are at the core of their creative approach, with many designers utilizing recycled materials and upcycling techniques. The designers are also committed to implementing more ethical production systems, and some pay homage to local and traditional craftsmanship. This year’s edition also highlights the fluidity between womenswear and menswear.
Similar to last year, the public will have the chance to vote for their favorite semi-finalist on the lvmhprize.com website. Furthermore, a committee comprising nearly 70 industry experts, including prominent figures like Camille Charrière, Eva Chen, Ben Cobb, Pierre A. M’Pelé, Mel Ottenberg, Julia Sarr-Jamois, Cindy Sherman, and Eugénie Trochu, will select the finalists. The finalists will present their designs in Paris from March 4 to 5, and only eight competitors will advance to the final stage. The winners will be announced during Paris Fashion Week in March, with the LVMH 2022 Prize recipient receiving an endowment of €300,000, and the Karl Lagerfeld Prize recipient receiving €150,000. Both winners will also receive a year-long mentorship from the luxury group’s teams. Additionally, LVMH will be honoring three young fashion school graduates, with applications open until March 15, 2022.
Useful links:
– LVMH Prize Official Website
– Official LVMH Prize information on LVMH’s website
