The fashion world is abuzz with excitement as the LVMH Prize for Young Designers unveils its 20 semifinalists for the 2026 edition, marking a significant milestone in the quest to discover the next big names in fashion. But here's where it gets even more thrilling: this year’s lineup is more diverse than ever, with talents emerging from Georgia, Kenya, and Thailand for the very first time, alongside major fashion capitals. Delphine Arnault, the visionary behind the prize and a key talent scout at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, emphasizes the global reach of this year’s contenders, stating, “Their collections showcase contemporary elegance, bold designs, and unique craftsmanship, with a deep focus on material research.” And this is the part most people miss—the semifinalists hail from 17 different countries, bringing a rich tapestry of cultural influences to the forefront of fashion innovation.
These rising stars will converge at a showroom during Paris Fashion Week on March 4 and 5, where they’ll present their collections to the press and a committee of industry experts. The experts will then select eight finalists, but here’s the twist: the public gets a say too! From March 4 to 8, fashion enthusiasts worldwide can vote online for their favorite collection, adding a democratic layer to this prestigious competition. The showroom, held for the first time at the iconic La Samaritaine department store due to LVMH’s ongoing renovations, promises to be a highlight of the fashion calendar.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While last year’s edition spotlighted menswear, this year’s shortlist includes only three dedicated menswear designers, with four others creating gender-neutral or dual-gender collections. Is this a shift in focus, or a reflection of evolving industry trends? We’ll let you decide. Among the standout names is Kartik Kumra of Kartik Research, who returns to the semifinals after a strong showing in 2023. Will this be his year to take the top prize?
Speaking of prizes, the stakes are higher than ever. The overall winner will receive a staggering €400,000 and invaluable mentorship from LVMH teams in areas like sustainable development, marketing, and legal aspects of running a brand. The runner-up, awarded the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, will take home €200,000 and a year of mentorship, while the Savoir-Faire Prize also offers €200,000 and mentorship. With over 2,400 applicants from around the globe, the competition is fierce, and the winners will be crowned later this year.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As fashion becomes increasingly globalized, does the LVMH Prize’s emphasis on diversity dilute its focus on traditional fashion capitals, or does it enrich the industry by bringing fresh perspectives? Let us know in the comments!
The LVMH Prize isn’t just about established designers; it’s also nurturing the next generation. This year, three fashion school graduates will each receive €10,000 and a coveted spot in the design studio of an LVMH house, such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, or Fendi. Aspiring designers, take note: applications for the student prizes are open until April 5.
Below is the full list of semifinalists, categorized by their design focus. Take a moment to explore these names—they might just be the future of fashion:
Womenswear and Menswear
- Iamisigo by Bubu Ogisi, Nigeria
- Kartik Research by Kartik Kumra, India
- Lii by Zane Li, China
- Ponte by Harry Pontefract, U.K.
Womenswear
- Colleen Allen, U.S.
- De Pino by Gabriel Figueiredo, France
- Golshaah by Golnar Ahmadian, Iran
- Julie Kegels, Belgium
- Maz Manuela Álvarez by Manuela Álvarez, Colombia
- Petra Fagerström, Sweden
- Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia, Kenya
Menswear
- Derrick by Luke Derrick, U.K.
- Shinyakozuka by Shinya Kozuka, Japan
- Ssstein by Kiichiro Asakawa, Japan
Genderless
- Act N°1 by Luca Lin, Italy
- Institution by Galib Gassanoff, Georgia
- Kinyan Lam, China
- Nong Rak by Cherry W. Rain-Phuangfueang, U.S., and Teerapat Phuangfueang, Thailand
- The Vxlley by Daniel del Valle Fernandez, Spain
- Tíscar Espadas by Tíscar Espadas, Spain, and Kevin Kohler, Switzerland
The LVMH Prize has already launched the careers of luminaries like Marine Serre and Thebe Magugu, and last year’s winner, Soshiotsuki by Japanese designer Soshi Otsuki, has achieved cult status with his Armani-inspired oversized suits. Who will be the next big name? Only time will tell. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to cast your vote!
