MEET THE SEMI-FINALISTS FOR THE LVMH PRIZE

It’s that time again: the LVMH Prize has been back out scouting the most influential and exciting designers and brands, shortlisting the applicants – of which there were over 1900 this year – to a list of semi-finalists. Director of the prize Delphine Arnault hails its popularity as an indication of the opportunities that being a finalist for the prize represents, commenting that “This success demonstrates the importance of the LVMH Prize internationally: many young designers have realised just how decisive this Prize is for their careers, as it helps to showcase and nurture the talents of tomorrow.”

The 2022 shortlist has pulled talents from all four corners of the globe, and the 20 strong semi-finalist list features brands based in Lagos, London, NYC, Shanghai and beyond. This year, the pressure is on, with the success of 2021 winner Nensi Dojaka propelled new levels of stardom and recognition. A renewed focus is placed on adaptability, something that finalists last year had to demonstrate through the uncertainty of the pandemic. Indeed, Arnault told Vogue that “the class of 2021 has shown great ability in approaching the new world: they all have e-commerce sites, are present on social media and embrace a way of creating and producing that takes into account the challenges of our industry.”

The LVMH Prize is also shifting perceptions about where fashion is based. As Arnault summarises, “young designers don’t necessarily express themselves in one of the world’s fashion capitals such as Paris, London, New York or Milan” – talent can be found and sponsored everywhere.