On April 2, the LVMH Prize—one of the most prestigious support programs for emerging fashion talents—announced its eight finalists for the 2025 edition. The selected designers were chosen from 20 semifinalists who presented their collections during Paris Fashion Week this March.
This year’s finalists reflect a wide range of global perspectives, with craftsmanship and narrative-based design at the core of their creative identities. The group hails from France, the United States, Norway, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands—demonstrating the increasingly international scope of the competition.
The Eight Finalists (Alphabetical Order):
- Alain Paul | Brand: Alainpaul | France
- Benjamin Barron & Bror August Vestbø | Brand: All-In | United States / Norway
- Francesco Murano | Brand: Francesco Murano | Italy
- Soshi Otsuki | Brand: Soshiotsuki | Japan
- Steve O Smith | Brand: Steve O Smith | United Kingdom
- Tolu Coker | Brand: Tolu Coker | United Kingdom
- Torishéju Dumi | Brand: Torishéju | United Kingdom
- Danial Aitouganov | Brand: Zomer | Netherlands
Alain Paul
A former ballet dancer from a young age, Alain Paul built his brand Alainpaul in 2023 upon a foundation of movement and aesthetics shaped by a decade of classical dance. With experience at Vetements and Louis Vuitton, he co-founded the label with his husband, Luis Philippe. Their “balletcore” aesthetic—infused with elegance and conceptual design—is now stocked in 30 retailers globally and continues to gain attention for its fluidity and poetic sensibility.
Benjamin Barron & Bror August Vestbø
All-In was born out of a creative partnership between American Benjamin Barron and Norwegian Bror August Vestbø. Their collaboration began with a fashion magazine Barron launched as a student, where clothing emerged as an extension of visual storytelling. Their muses range from former beauty queens to debutantes and aging pop stars. The label explores identity shifts throughout the day, a theme captured in their expressive and theatrical designs. Their shoes have been worn by the likes of Rihanna, Chloë Sevigny, and Kylie Jenner.
Francesco Murano
Italian designer Francesco Murano rose to prominence when Beyoncé wore his designs before he even graduated. Soon after, Cardi B followed suit. Inspired by the idealized forms of ancient Greek sculpture, Murano is known for sculptural, dramatic silhouettes. He won the top women’s prize in Italy’s Who’s On Next competition in 2020 and received a Camera Moda Fashion Trust grant in 2024. In February 2025, he made his Milan Fashion Week runway debut, showcasing a refined and commanding collection.
Soshi Otsuki
Japanese designer Soshi Otsuki founded Soshiotsuki in 2015 and has since been crafting a fusion of Japanese and Western aesthetics. Having been shortlisted for the LVMH Prize in 2016, this marks his second recognition by the competition. Known for oversized suits reminiscent of 1980s Giorgio Armani, his garments incorporate elements like kimono-inspired linings and karate-wrap jackets. His work gained global attention after A$AP Rocky wore one of his pieces on the cover of The Travel Almanac.
Steve O Smith
Based in London, Steve O Smith creates garments that translate hand-drawn sketches into 3D fashion forms. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, he developed a method of pattern cutting and fabric appliqué that transforms linear illustrations into structured clothing. His visually arresting creations—worn by Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe at the Met Gala—blend technical mastery with artistic expression. Smith works exclusively on a made-to-order basis, maintaining direct engagement with clients.
Tolu Coker
British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker weaves her multicultural identity into every thread of her designs. A Central Saint Martins alumna, she is also a multidisciplinary artist who creates illustrations, documentaries, and fashion films. “Clothing is not simply a garment. It is an archive of memory, a carrier of culture, and a marker of identity. To wear is to honor the past, embrace the present, and shape the future,” she says. She has collaborated with brands like Adidas, Dr. Martens, and Swatch, and continues to use fashion as a platform for social justice and storytelling.
Torishéju Dumi
With British, Nigerian, and Brazilian roots, Torishéju Dumi brings a richly layered cultural narrative to her fashion. A graduate of Central Saint Martins’ MA menswear program and a former Sarabande Foundation scholar, she honed her skills at Céline under Phoebe Philo, Ann Demeulemeester, Giles Deacon, and others. Her 2023 Paris runway debut featured Naomi Campbell, styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson with hair by Charlie Le Mindu. Zendaya later wore one of her looks during the Dune: Part Two press tour, cementing her rise.
Danial Aitouganov
After working on Pharrell Williams’ menswear team at Louis Vuitton, Dutch designer Danial Aitouganov left in 2023 to co-found Zomer with stylist Imruh Asha. Known for surreal constructions and vivid colors, his Fall 2025 collection embraced a theme of “Opposite Day,” turning traditional runway formats—and garments—on their head. Despite its conceptual nature, the collection also included commercial hits like bomber-style coat-jackets, which caught the eyes of key buyers.
LVMH Prize Final to Take Place on September 3
Speaking on this year’s competition, Delphine Arnault, CEO of Christian Dior, stated: “On the occasion of the 12th edition of the LVMH Prize, the collections of the semi-finalists highlighted a rich diversity of backgrounds and creative visions.”
“They each displayed an inspiring level of expertise in tailoring and craftsmanship, as well as great refinement, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them all.”
The final round of judging will take place on September 3, 2025, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. The winners of the Grand Prize, the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, and the Savoir-Faire Prize will be announced at the event. Winners will receive up to €400,000 in funding and a year-long mentorship from the LVMH group’s experts.
This year’s jury includes Jonathan Anderson, Kim Jones, Stella McCartney, NIGO, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs, and Phoebe Philo—an illustrious lineup that reflects the award’s prestigious status in the global fashion industry.
The LVMH Prize continues to serve as a launchpad for emerging designers seeking international recognition. The eight finalists selected this year are already being recognized as visionary talents who will help shape the future of fashion.
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