The LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers has unveiled the 20 semi-finalists of its 13th edition, confirming once again its status as one of the most influential platforms for emerging talent. The semi-final of the prestigious LVMH Prize will take place in Paris on March 4th and 5th, 2026, bringing together a new generation of designers from across the globe.
Fashion prize spotlight: a global platform for emerging talents
Selected from more than 2,400 applications, this year’s semi-finalists reflect the diversity, creativity, and conceptual strength that define today’s young fashion designers. Italy’s Luca Lin, founder of ACT N°1, explores genderless collections rooted in emotional storytelling, while American designer Colleen Allen brings a bold, expressive approach to womenswear. France-based Gabriel Figueiredo of DE PINO offers refined silhouettes grounded in contemporary femininity, as British menswear designer Luke Derrick reinterprets classic tailoring through a modern lens.
From Iran, Golnar Ahmadian’s GOLSHAAH merges cultural heritage with poetic womenswear, while Nigerian label IAMISIGO, led by Bubu Ogisi, bridges tradition and innovation across womenswear and menswear. Georgian designer Galib Gassanoff of INSTITUTION works fluidly across gender boundaries, and Belgian talent Julie Kegels is known for her playful yet precise approach to womenswear construction.
India’s Kartik Kumra, founder of KARTIK RESEARCH, blends craft and narrative-driven design, while China’s Kinyan Lam and Zane Li (LII) each explore genderless and dual-gender wardrobes with distinct contemporary identities. Colombian designer Manuela Álvarez infuses her label MAZ with color and cultural symbolism, while Cherry W. Rain-Phuangfueang and Teerapat Phuangfueang’s NONG RAK bridges the United States and Thailand through expressive, multi-gender collections.
Swedish designer Petra Fagerström delivers sculptural womenswear rooted in material exploration, as UK-based Harry Pontefract of PONTE balances wearability with conceptual design. Japan is represented by menswear innovators Shinya Kozuka (SHINYAKOZUKA) and Kiichiro Asakawa (SSSTEIN), both celebrated for their experimental yet deeply refined approaches. Spain’s Daniel del Valle Fernandez of THE VXLLEY and Tíscar Espadas, working alongside Kevin Kohler, push genderless fashion forward with bold, architectural visions, while Kenyan designer Anil Padia of YOSHITA 1967 grounds his womenswear in cultural memory and contemporary elegance.
Presented at the Paris semi-final showroom, these designers will showcase their collections before an international jury of fashion experts, with eight finalists selected for the next stage. As the LVMH Prize continues to champion innovation, diversity, and excellence, the 2026 semi-finalists confirm why this fashion prize remains a vital launchpad for the most promising voices in global fashion.
Courtesy of LVMH
