The LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers has long been a defining moment for emerging talent, offering young designers a chance to secure mentorship and funding from one of the most powerful luxury conglomerates. This year, the twelfth edition of the LVMH Prize has set new records, with over 2,300 applicants worldwide vying for a coveted spot. Out of this vast pool, 20 semi-finalists from 15 countries have been selected to showcase their designs in Paris on March 5-6, 2025.
This year’s edition is particularly exciting as three countries—Egypt, Ghana, and Saudi Arabia—are represented for the first time. Their inclusion speaks to the competition’s growing global influence, expanding beyond traditional fashion capitals into new, diverse creative hubs. Never miss a beat in fashion, arts, beauty, and lifestyle, follow FAB L’Style Magazine.
The Prize: A Game-Changer for Young Designers
Winning the LVMH Prize is more than just a €400,000 cash grant—it’s about securing a place in fashion’s most elite circles. The winner also receives a year-long mentorship from LVMH’s top experts, helping them navigate the challenges of running a global fashion brand. Additionally, two other key prizes will be awarded:
- The Karl Lagerfeld Prize, which honors creativity and innovation.
- The Savoir-Faire Prize, dedicated to craftsmanship and sustainability.
Who Are the 2025 Semi-Finalists?
This year’s 20 semi-finalists come from a variety of backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective on contemporary fashion. The list includes designers known for genderless collections, sustainable fashion, and cutting-edge craftsmanship. Here are some of the standout names to watch:
- Boyedoe (Ghana): Designed by David Boye-Doe Kusi, Boyedoe is pioneering genderless fashion with bold, structured silhouettes. As Ghana’s first-ever participant in the LVMH Prize, Boyedoe merges Afrofuturism with traditional West African tailoring, creating a fresh and distinctive voice in the fashion industry
- Tolu Coker (United Kingdom): British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker is redefining womenswear with a strong focus on identity and heritage. Her collections delve into migration, race, and cultural storytelling, using hand-dyed fabrics and upcycled materials. She is also a leading advocate for sustainable fashion.
- Torisheju (United Kingdom): Torisheju Dumi creates a fusion of menswear and womenswear, known for sculptural and artistic designs. After dressing Zendaya for the “Dune: Part Two” photocall, her work gained massive recognition. She is known for her architectural structures, fluid draping techniques, and avant-garde aesthetics.
- Soshiotsuki (Japan): Soshi Otsuki, a returning semi-finalist from 2016, is recognized for his avant-garde menswear inspired by Japanese history. His collections blend samurai aesthetics with contemporary craftsmanship, offering a unique intersection of tradition and modernity.
- Renaissance Renaissance (Lebanon): Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej presents romantic and feminine fashion rooted in Middle Eastern artistry. Competing for the second time in the LVMH Prize, her label is known for its delicate fabrics, intricate embroidery, and modern yet timeless silhouettes.
- KML (Saudi Arabia): Ahmed Hassan of KML is making history as Saudi Arabia’s first semi-finalist. His designs redefine modest menswear, blending Arabian aesthetics with contemporary tailoring, reflecting a new era of Middle Eastern fashion innovation.
- Meruert Tolegen (United States): Meruert Planul-Tolegen, based in New York, is a master of luxury womenswear, focusing on draping and fluid silhouettes. Her work draws comparisons to Madeleine Vionnet’s expertise in fabric manipulation, offering a contemporary yet classically elegant approach.
