The contemporary Paris fashion landscape feels very different today than it did 10 years ago. Thanks to buzzy, bankable young labels like Y/Project, Koché, and of course Vetements, the new wave of French designers are vibing off the streets and subways to create things that are youthful, functional, and a touch irreverent. Wanda Nylon, the cult PVC streetwear brand by Johanna Senyk that had its first runway show in a burnt-out warehouse last year, embodies all these characteristics to the max. Senyk now has a lot more money to spend on her cherished waterproof fabric: exactly €250,000, or approximately $280,000 at current exchange, thanks to clinching the 2016 ANDAM grand prize on the eve of couture week in Paris.
Senyk will also receive two years of mentoring from Geoffroy de la Bourdonnaye, president and chief executive officer of Chloé, who takes over from Chanel’s Bruno Pavlovsky as this year’s tutor. She was up against some tough competition for this year’s coveted prize. Christelle Kocher’s spirited (and street-cast) Koché also received a nomination, as did Aalto, Tim Coppens, Jacquemus, and OAMC. Past winners of the prestigious top prize include Iris van Herpen, Anthony Vaccarello, Giles Deacon, and Martin Margiela — who won the inaugural round back in 1989.
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Text Hannah Ongley