Every year, we get to present the designers who are shaping the future of fashion, and the 2025 LVMH Prize for Young Designers is no exception. The highly anticipated competition has just revealed its twenty semi-finalists, spotlighting some of the most promising emerging talents from around the world. Since its inception in 2013, the LVMH Prize has been a launchpad for industry trailblazers, and this year’s selection marks a shift from the past guidelines.
The 2025 semi-finalists represent a truly global mix, with designers hailing from fifteen different countries—including first-time representation from Egypt, Ghana, and Saudi Arabia. Among this year’s standout names are Alainpaul by Alain Paul (France), All-in by Benjamin Barron (United States), Bror August Vestbo (Norway), Boyedoe by David Boye-Doe Kusi (Ghana), Francesco Murano (Italy), Josh Tafoya (United States), and KML by Ahmed Hassan (Saudi Arabia).
Other notable designers include Meruert Tolegen by Meruert Planul-Tolegen (United States), MFPEN by Sigurd Bank (Denmark), Nicklas Skovgaard (Denmark), Penultimate by Xiang Gao (China), Pillings by Ryota Murakami (Japan), and Sinéad O'Dwyer (Ireland). Japan is further represented by Soshiotsuki by Soshi Otsuki, while the United Kingdom boasts strong contenders such as Steve O Smith, Tolu Coker, and Torisheju by Torishéju Dumi. The list also features Yasmin Mansour (Egypt), Young N Sang by Sang Lim Lee and Youngshin Hong (South Korea), and Zomer by Danial Aitouganov (Netherlands). Returning to the competition is Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej of Renaissance Renaissance, previously recognised in past editions.
With such a diverse array of talent, this year’s competition promises to introduce fresh perspectives and groundbreaking creativity on a global stage. The semi-finalists will present their collections on March 5 and 6 during Paris Fashion Week, where a panel of industry experts will narrow the selection down to eight finalists. The ultimate winner will receive a grand prize of 400,000 euros along with mentorship from LVMH professionals in key areas such as sustainability, marketing, financial management, and legal strategy.
Additionally, the runner-up will be awarded the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, which includes a 200,000-euro grant and a one-year mentorship. Another key distinction, the Savoir-Faire Prize, also grants 200,000 euros and mentorship, recognising designers with exceptional craftsmanship and technical expertise. With such a dynamic mix of talent and innovation, the 2025 LVMH Prize is set to highlight the next generation of fashion’s brightest stars.