Discover the nine finalists for the 2023 LVMH Prize

PARIS — The LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers unveiled the nine finalists for this prize on Friday. year, highlighting a collective of pragmatic designers grappling with major societal challenges.

Reflecting the broad international reach of the competition, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, finalists come from the four corners of the world, but are mainly based in Europe and the United States, with three working in the United Kingdom, three in Italy, two in the United States and one in France.

The US-based contingent consists of Luar by Raul Lopez and Diotima by the Jamaican designer Rachel Scott. They are joined by London brands Aaron Esh; Better by Ukrainian designer Julie Pelipas, and Paolina Russo, led by Canadian designer Paolina Russo and French designer Lucile Guilmard.

Related Galleries Rounding out the group are Parisian designer Burç Akyol; The Magliano brand by Italian designer Luca Magliano, Quira by Veronica Leoni and Setchu by Satoshi Kuwata, based in Milan.

Reflecting the new mood of realism at Paris Fashion Week, the finalists selected by a jury of experts and a public vote offered credible clothing choices that reflected concerns about gender identity, the environment and craftsmanship.

"The semi-final of the 10th edition of this award highlighted great maturity in the 'approach and work of the designers,' said Delphine Arnault, the force behind the initiative and a key talent scout at the family-controlled luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, parent of brands such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi , Givenchy, Loewe and Dior, where she is President and CEO.

Several of the finalists worked at various luxury and contemporary brands before going on their own, and have carefully considered every aspect of their label, from sourcing and production to marketing and image.

“Cultural diversity, celebration of traditional craftsmanship and creative boldness define this selection. Naturally, the finalists are fully committed to dealing with environmental issues and play with the boundaries between men and women. Their expertise, creativity, uniqueness and commitment really impressed me,” said Arnault.

The annual design award has helped propel the careers of talents such as Marine Serre, Nensi Dojaka, Thebe Magugu, Simon Porte Jacquemus and Grace Wales Bonner. Last year's winner was British designer Steven Stokey-Daley, with his menswear brand S.S. Daley, of which Harry Styles is a part.

The big winner receives an endowment of 300,000 euros and mentoring by LVMH teams in areas such as sustainable development, communication, marketing, legal, production and finance. The winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize receives an endowment of 150,000 euros plus a year of mentoring by LVMH experts.

To be eligible, designers must be between the ages of 18 and 40 and have at least two pieces of women's clothing marketed, men's or genderless collections to their credit. In addition, three fashion school graduates will each receive 10,000 euros and a one-year internship in LVMH's brand design studio.

The 2023 edition of the award attracted a record 2,400+ applicants. A jury made up of famous LVMH creative directors will finally select...