The List Is Here.
The highly anticipated LVMH Prize for Young Designers has just announced its 20 semi-finalists for the 2025 edition. This prestigious competition, which has been a launching pad for some of fashion’s biggest names since its inception in 2013, showcases the industry’s most promising young talent. This year’s selection reflects a shift away from quiet luxury and casualwear, embracing bold occasion dressing, intricate embellishments, and a renewed focus on tailoring.
The 20 semi-finalists for the 2025 LVMH Prize for Young Designers represent a diverse and global mix of talent, with designers hailing from 15 different countries, including Egypt, Ghana, and Saudi Arabia for the first time. Among the selected names are Alainpaul by Alain Paul from France, All-in by Benjamin Barron from the United States and Bror August Vestbo from Norway, Boyedoe by David Boye-Doe Kusi from Ghana, Francesco Murano from Italy, Josh Tafoya from the United States, and KML by Ahmed Hassan from Saudi Arabia. Other notable semi-finalists include Meruert Tolegen by Meruert Planul-Tolegen from the United States, MFPEN by Sigurd Bank from Denmark, Nicklas Skovgaard from Denmark, Penultimate by Xiang Gao from China, Pillings by Ryota Murakami from Japan, and Sinéad O’Dwyer from Ireland. Representing Japan as well is Soshiotsuki by Soshi Otsuki, while the United Kingdom has strong representation with Steve O Smith, Tolu Coker, and Torisheju by Torishéju Dumi. The lineup also includes Yasmin Mansour from Egypt, Young N Sang by Sang Lim Lee and Youngshin Hong from South Korea, and Zomer by Danial Aitouganov from the Netherlands. Finally, Renaissance Renaissance by Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej returns, having previously gained recognition in past editions. With such a wide-ranging selection, this year’s competition is set to highlight fresh perspectives and groundbreaking creativity on an international scale.
The 20 semi-finalists will present their collections in a showroom on March 5 and 6 during Paris Fashion Week, where a committee of experts will narrow the selection down to eight finalists. The designers are competing for a grand prize of 400,000 euros, along with mentorship from LVMH professionals in areas such as sustainability, marketing, financial management, and legal aspects of running a fashion brand. Additionally, the runner-up will receive the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, which comes with a 200,000-euro grant and a one-year mentorship. Another key honor, the Savoir-Faire Prize, also offers a 200,000-euro grant and mentorship, recognizing designers who excel in craftsmanship and technical expertise.
PHOTO CREDITS: Courtesy of the brand
