2017 LVMH Prize finalists
French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH has named the eight finalists in the running to win its coveted LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers
In February, the conglomerate shared the names of 21 designers, culled from a list of nearly 1,200 entries from 90 countries, who had made the shortlist. The LVMH Prize continues the luxury conglomerate’s mission to identity, mentor and support emerging design talent to safeguard its industry and facilitate future collaborations and workforce (see story).
The fashionable 8
After the 21 designers were selected in February, the group met with LVMH’s 45 international fashion experts.
International fashion experts include a mix of editors, photographers, models, makeup artists, creative directors, athletes and stylists. Notable names include Suzy Menkes, Pat McGrath, Kendall Jenner, Linda Fargo and Juergen Teller.
The shortlist for the fourth annual LVMH Prize was decided between March 2-3.
LMVH’s finalists are listed in alphabetical order:
Ambush by Yoon Ahn, a Korean-American designer based in Tokyo. Ambush offers unisex collections and shows in Paris.
Atlein by Antonin Tron, a Paris-based French designer. Atlein is a womenswear label with presentations set in Paris.
Cecilie Bahnsen by Cecilie Rosted Bahnsen, a Danish-designed located in Copenhagen. Ms. Bahnsen designs womenswear and shows in Copenhagen.
Jahnkoy by Maria Kazakova, a New York-based Russian designer of menswear. Jahnkoy collections show in New York.
Kozabura by Kozabura Akasaka, a New York-based Japanese designer of men’s fashion, which shows in New York.
Marine Serre by Marine Serre, a French designer based in Paris. Ms. Serre designs women’s fashion and shows her collections in Paris.
Molly Goddard by Molly Goddard, a London-based British designer of womenswear. Ms. Goddard presents in London.
Nabil Nayal by Nabil el-Nayal, a British designer based in London. Mr. el-Nayal designs womenswear and shows his collections in London.
The eight LVMH Prize finalists will now meet with members of the Jury at Fondation Louis Vuitton June 16. The jury consists of J.W. Anderson, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, Humberto Leon, Carol Lim, Phoebe Philo, Riccardo Tisci, Ms. Arnault, Jean-Paul Claverie and Pierre-Yves Roussel.
After deliberations on June 16 the jury will select the LVMH Prize winner.
“This year, five our of the eight finalists design womenswear,” said Delphine Arnault, vice president of Louis Vuitton, in a statement. “Men’s and unisex collections also reflect the dynamism of gender-defying fashion.
“A Danish designer has for the first time reached this level in the competition,” she said. “I am also pleased to welcome back Nabil el-Nayal who had been shortlisted in 2015.
“This year’s selection clearly illustrates the existence of truly international fashion, beyond borders. I wish all the finalists good luck: it will be hard for the jury to decide between them during the final on June 16.
“I also wish to congratulate the semi-finalists for their involvement and their genuine enthusiasm.”
The 2016 LVMH Prize was awarded to Grace Wales Bonner. The London-based designer has been hailed as a “heroine of menswear” (see story).