The eight finalists for the 2017 LVMH Prize have been announced. Among those who made the cut: London’s tulle master Molly Goddard and shirting innovator Nabil Nayal; subculture-influenced unisex brand Ambush by Yoon Ahn from the US; two French designers — Atlein, by jersey maestro Antonin Tron, and pleat and volume specialist Marine Serre; the first Danish designer to make it to the final, Cecilie Bahnsen, who is also a fan of shirting and organza; and the culture-clashing, sports-inflected brand Jahnkoy by Russian designer Maria Kazakova (based in New York).
In a statement, LVMH vice president Delphine Arnault highlights the gender mix of the finalists: “This year, five out of the eight finalists design womenswear. Men’s and unisex collections also reflect the dynamism of gender-defying fashion,” she says. Commenting on the global reach of the Prize, she adds, “This year’s selection clearly illustrates the existence of a truly international fashion, beyond borders.”
Arnault notes the inclusion of Cecilie Bahnsen, the first Danish designer to become a finalist, and also the return of London’s Nabil el-Nayal, who was shortlisted in 2015. “I wish all the finalists good luck: it will be hard for the jury to decide between them during the final on June 16,” she adds, concluding, “I also wish to congratulate the semi-finalists for their involvement and their genuine enthusiasm.”
The 2017 LVMH Prize winner will be announced in June.
Credits
Text Charlotte Gush
Photography Lily Bertrand-Webb