By Fashion Editorial Staff
In the 12th edition of the prestigious LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, eight trailblazing designers have been chosen, each representing a unique blend of artistry and technical mastery. As fashion faces an increasingly digital future, these finalists showcase a profound return to craftsmanship, storytelling, and cultural heritage—offering a refreshing response to the rise of generative AI.
The Finalists
The selected designers will present their collections on September 3rd at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. Each brings a distinct perspective to contemporary fashion:
ALAINPAUL: A former ballet dancer with the Ballet National de Marseille, Alain Paul channels his classical training into "balletcore" designs. With past roles at Vetements and Louis Vuitton, his collections are carried by 30 retailers worldwide.
Portrait of Alain Paul and a Look from the FW24 Collection (Photos courtesy of LVMH Prize)
ALL-IN: What began as a fashion magazine by Benjamin Barron has evolved into a clothing line with Bror August Vestbø. Their conceptual designs deconstruct and recontextualize garments, earning a celebrity following including Rihanna and Kylie Jenner.
All-In Designers (Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø) and a Look from the SS25 Collection (Photos courtesy of LVMH Prize)
FRANCESCO MURANO: The Italian designer, who caught Beyoncé's eye before graduating from Milan’s Istituto Europeo di Design, creates sculptural silhouettes that merge sleek tailoring with fluid eveningwear, inspired by Ancient Greek proportions.
Francesco Murano and a Look from the FW24 Collection (Photos courtesy of LVMH Prize)
SOSHI OTSUKI: A cult favorite since his 2016 shortlist, Japanese designer Soshi Otsuki fuses oversized, '80s-inspired suits with Japanese elements such as kimono-inspired linings and karate uniform wraps, challenging Western tailoring conventions.
Soshi Otsuki and a Look from the SS25 Collection (Photos courtesy of LVMH Prize)
STEVE O SMITH: Central Saint Martins graduate Steve O Smith transforms drawings into three-dimensional garments through innovative fabric appliqué techniques—a process that earned him commissions for the Met Gala.
Steve O Smith and a Look from the FW24 Collection (Photos courtesy of LVMH Prize)
TOLU COKER: British-Nigerian-Yoruba designer Tolu Coker explores the Black diaspora through vibrant patterns and culturally significant silhouettes. Beyond fashion, she uses her work to support refugees and minority communities through multimedia art.
Tolu Coker and a Look from the SS25 Collection (Photos courtesy of LVMH Prize)
TORISHÉJU: Known for her collaboration with Phoebe Philo at Céline, British-Nigerian-Brazilian designer Torishéju Dumi’s runway debut, with Naomi Campbell, reflected her deep engagement with folklore and Black artistry.
Torishéju and a Look from the FW24 Collection (Photos courtesy of LVMH Prize)
ZOMER: Former Louis Vuitton menswear designer Danial Aitouganov brings Surrealist elements into colorful, sculptural menswear that challenges conventional construction and showcases his unique vision of modern fashion.
Zomer and a Look from the SS25 Collection (Photos courtesy of LVMH Prize)
A Counterpoint to Technology
Delphine Arnault, CEO of Christian Dior Couture and driving force behind the LVMH Prize, highlighted this year’s evolution as she told WWD: "As AI reshapes industries, creatives are responding by embracing artisanal craftsmanship as a way to honor heritage, express authenticity, and celebrate the mastery of the human hand and mind."
While AI and technology are reshaping the fashion industry, these designers stand as a testament to the value of hands-on craftsmanship. Arnault explains, "Craft is not only difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce by cheaper means, but it also reflects a deeper need for rarity, connection, and self-expression."
More Than Fashion: Building Cultural Worlds
What sets these finalists apart is their ability to weave together fashion, art, and cultural narratives. Whether drawing inspiration from ballet, visual art, or traditional cultural practices, these designers are creating more than just clothing—they are building entire cultural worlds.
"As a brand, it’s no longer just about making clothes," Arnault notes. "It’s about creating an entire culture." The LVMH Prize offers more than a platform for emerging talent—it provides guidance on sustainability, marketing, production, and finance, ensuring these designers are equipped to shape the future of fashion.
The Stakes and the Future
The winner of the LVMH Prize will receive €400,000 and invaluable mentorship, while the winners of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize and Savoir-Faire Prize each receive €200,000 and similar support. In a fashion world increasingly influenced by technology, these eight finalists stand as proof that the human touch—through heritage, craftsmanship, and personal expression—remains fashion's most valuable resource.