The LVMH Prize, an esteemed competition for up-and-coming fashion designers, has revealed the names of the 20 semi-finalists for its 11th edition. This prestigious prize, organized by luxury conglomerate LVMH, received an impressive 2,500 applications from across the globe, surpassing last year’s total of 2,400. The semi-final round, scheduled for February 29 and March 1 in Paris, will see these 20 labels compete for a chance to make it to the final round. From February 29 to March 5, the general public will have the opportunity to vote online and aid the expert jury in selecting the eight finalists.
This year’s semi-finalists encompass a diverse group of countries, with designers hailing from 18 different nations. Notably, Togo, Mexico, and Moldova are represented for the first time in the competition. European designers dominate the shortlist, making up nearly half of the semi-finalists. Several of these designers have already showcased their collections in Paris, such as Duran Lantink from the Netherlands and Marie Adam-Leenaerdt from Belgium. Additionally, Italian designer Niccolò Pasqualetti and Swedish label Hodakova by Ellen Hodakova Larsson are also part of the line-up.
Previously, several designers from France, the UK, and Ireland have presented their collections at London Fashion Week. The LVMH Prize also demonstrates cultural diversity through designers like Spain’s Yayi Chen Zhou and Israel’s Yonathan Carmel, who have established their labels in New York and Paris respectively. Asian representation comes from Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and China, including the genderless label Ponder.er, which has garnered support from the French Fashion and Haute Couture Federation.
Completing the shortlist are three US labels – Who Decides War, Tela D’Amore Best, and Elena Velez – as well as Karoline Vitto, a Brazilian designer based in London. This year’s competition is notable for its focus on urban influences and refined womenswear. Delphine Arnault, one of the key figures behind the LVMH Prize, applauded the originality of the ideas and the emphasis on research and aesthetics showcased by the semi-finalists.
Alongside the main LVMH Prize, which has been elevated to a value of €400,000, and the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, now offering €200,000, a new prize called Prix des Savoir-Faire has been introduced. This €200,000 award will celebrate technical expertise. The winners of both the LVMH and Karl Lagerfeld Prizes will receive one year of mentoring from LVMH. The competition also continues its tradition of recognizing three recent fashion academy graduates, with applications remaining open until March 17, 2024. Overall, the 2024 edition of the LVMH Prize is highly anticipated, boasting a diverse and talented group of designers competing for recognition and support from the luxury industry.
Useful Links:
1. LVMH Prize Official Website
2. Vogue Business Article on LVMH Prize Globalization
