On September 3, Japanese designer Soshi Otsuki, the creative force behind the brand Soshiotsuki, was awarded the 2025 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers. The ceremony took place at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, where the brand claimed the honor in front of a distinguished jury and guests from across the fashion industry.
The LVMH Prize is one of the most prestigious awards for emerging fashion designers. The winner receives prize money as well as a year of mentoring from LVMH Group experts. Founded in 2015, Soshiotsuki has been recognized for its unique concept of fusing Japanese tradition with modern craftsmanship.
On stage, Otsuki remarked quietly, “Thank you to the jury, to Delphine Arnault, to LVMH, and to everyone who has supported me. I am truly honored.” In a video shown prior to the award, he further explained, “I launched Soshiotsuki in 2015, blending Japanese tradition with modern craftsmanship. Interpreting the DNA of Japanese heritage from a unique perspective. Blending precision, with emotion, to craft modern silhouettes.”
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About Soshi Otsuki
Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1990, Otsuki majored in menswear at Bunka Fashion College, while also honing his expression at Coconogacco. He established his brand Soshiotsuki in 2015. Just two seasons in, he began attracting attention and was selected as a finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2016. His work has since been recognized both in Japan and abroad. In 2019, he won the Tokyo New Designer Fashion Grand Prix (Professional Category), and in 2024, he was awarded the Tokyo Fashion Award, which provided him the opportunity to present his work at a Paris showroom, strengthening his international presence.
Other Award Winners
The Karl Lagerfeld Special Jury Prize went to Steve O Smith, whose brand STEVE O SMITH was recognized for its distinctive ink-based sketches transformed into graphic and romantic dresses.
Meanwhile, the Craft Prize was awarded to British designer Torisheju Dumi of TORISHEJU, celebrated for dynamic and majestic collections across womenswear and menswear, as well as for exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and a sustainable approach.
The diverse pool of finalists showcased a range of perspectives. Among them were Alain Paul, who draws on his background as a ballet dancer to inform his creative vision with his brand ALAINPAUL; ALL-IN, designed by Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestboe; Francesco Murano of FRANCESCO MURANO, noted for his masterful draping; Tolu Coker of TOLU COKER, whose work blends African iconography and prints with bold tailoring; and Danial Aitouganov of Amsterdam-based Zomer.
This year’s jury included leading figures such as Phoebe Philo, Pharrell Williams, Sarah Burton, Stella McCartney, Jonathan Anderson, Nicolas Ghesquière, and Silvia Fendi. They were joined by LVMH executives including Sidney Toledano, adviser to LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault, and Delphine Arnault, CEO of Dior.
Otsuki’s award marks the third time a Japanese designer has won the LVMH Prize, following Masayuki Ino of doublet and Satoshi Kuwata of SETCHU. The award has long been regarded as a springboard to international recognition, having propelled talents such as Simon Porte Jacquemus, Demna, and Grace Wales Bonner onto the global stage.
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