It might only be entering it’s third year, but the LVMH Prize has become one fashion’s most prestigious awards for young designers. Not just for the $300,000 cash prize, but because it comes with a year of mentoring from the some of the industry’s most talented behind-the-scenes minds. Bright young British designers Thomas Tait and Marques’Almeida took home the top award in its first two years, with Hood by Air and Jacquemus taking the Special Prizes, respectively. Now, the longlist of 23 semi-finalists has been whittled down to just eight incredible nominees.
i-D favorite Grace Wales Bonner has received a deserved nomination; in just three seasons she has created an inimitable aesthetic, receiving justified plaudits for her new vision of black masculinity. Two Paris based designers — Christelle Kocher, of Koché, and Glenn Martens of Y/Project — also made the final list, flying the flag for the French capital’s youth-led creative renaissance. With British designers taking the prize home the last two years, the smart money might be on one of them to win the prize.
New York-based brands Alyx, Brandon Maxwell, and Vejas, also made the final list. Showcasing New York’s new generation of design talent, the labels sprung up in the wake of Shayne Oliver’s Hood By Air gender fluid, street wear-led, aesthetic revolution. Finish designer Aalto and Japanese streetwear brand Facetasm rounded off the eight finalists.
Credits
Text Felix Petty
Image via LVMH Prize