LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has announced the semifinalists for the 2026 LVMH Young Designers’ Prize, naming 20 emerging fashion houses selected from more than 2,400 applicants worldwide. This announcement marks the 13th edition of the prestigious competition and signals its expanding global scope, with designers from 17 countries. The next step will take place during Paris Fashion Week in March 2026, where these semifinalists will showcase their collections, and eight finalists will be chosen.

The unveiling of the 2026 LVMH Young Designers’ Prize semifinalists signals the campaign’s growing international influence, as this year’s shortlist includes, for the first time, designers from Georgia, Kenya, and Thailand. Long regarded as one of the industry’s most powerful launchpads, the LVMH Prize continues to spotlight young brands that combine creativity, craftsmanship, and commercial promise.

20 Designers Advance to Paris Showcase

LVMH announces the list of the 20 candidates shortlisted for the semi-final to be held on 4th and 5th March. The thirteenth edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers has once more confirmed its success, with over 2,400 applicants from all over the world.

Learn More:… pic.twitter.com/RzcvmFEIuK

— LVMH (@LVMH) February 10, 2026

The 20 semifinalists will present their collections on March 4 and 5 in Paris during Fashion Week, marking the next step in the 2026 competition timeline. The semi-final showroom will be held for the first time at La Samaritaine, the historic department store owned by LVMH, as the group’s headquarters undergo renovations.

During the two-day event, members of the LVMH Prize committee of experts, a panel of more than 80 international fashion specialists, will review the collections and vote to determine the eight finalists. In addition to the industry jury, the public will also participate in the selection process. From March 4 to 8, fashion enthusiasts can discover the designers online and cast votes for their favorite brands through the competition’s digital platform.

Delphine Arnault, who leads the initiative, stressed the diversity and quality of this year’s group. “I am delighted by the worldwide success of the LVMH Prize,” she said in a statement. “Once again, I have the privilege of unveiling a shortlist of outstanding talents. Their collections span contemporary elegance, bold designs, and even one-of-a-kind pieces. Craftsmanship and research into materials lie at the heart of their creations.”

Arnault also noted the selection’s geographic breadth. “This year’s 20 semifinalists come from major fashion capitals, as well as, for the first time, Georgia, Kenya, and Thailand,” she added.

Designers From 17 Countries

The 2026 LVMH Prize semi finalists have been announced.✨

Africa is represented by
IAMISIGO🇳🇬 and YOSHITA🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/FXrl05wIwb

— THE FASHION RESOURCE (@FashionRsource) February 10, 2026

The LVMH Young Designers’ Prize semifinalists reflect a broad cross-section of the global fashion landscape. Among the brands creating both womenswear and menswear are Iamisigo by Bubu Ogisi of Nigeria, Kartik Research by Kartik Kumra of India, Lii by Zane Li of China, and Ponte by Harry Pontefract of the United Kingdom.

The womenswear category includes Colleen Allen (U.S.), De Pino by Gabriel Figueiredo (France), Golshaah by Golnar Ahmadian (Iran), Julie Kegels (Belgium), Maz Manuela Álvarez by Manuela Álvarez (Colombia), Petra Fagerström (Sweden), and Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia (Kenya).

Menswear designers advancing to the semi-final are Derrick by Luke Derrick (U.K.), Shinyakozuka by Shinya Kozuka (Japan), and Ssstein by Kiichiro Asakawa (Japan).

The genderless segment features Act N°1 (Italy), Institution (Georgia), Kinyan Lam (China), Nong Rak (U.S./Thailand), The Vxlley (Spain), and Tíscar Espadas (Spain/Switzerland).

Notably, Indian designer Kartik Kumra returns to the competition after previously reaching the semifinals in 2023, making him one of the few repeat contenders among the LVMH Young Designers’ Prize semifinalists.

Three Major Awards at Stake

The 2026 LVMH Prize winner will receive a €400,000 endowment and one year of mentorship from LVMH experts. https://t.co/iIbkGyiAMl

— Vogue Runway (@VogueRunway) February 10, 2026

The LVMH Prize winner receives a 400,000-euro endowment and a one-year LVMH mentorship, covering sustainable development, communications, copyright, legal, marketing, manufacturing, and financial management.

In addition to the grand prize, the Karl Lagerfeld Prize awards 200,000 euros and a one-year mentorship to a creative brand. The Savoir-Faire Prize, focused on craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, provides a 200,000-euro grant. Three fashion school graduates will also receive 10,000 euros and a year-long placement at an LVMH fashion house design studio. Applications remain open until April 5 on the LVMH website.

A Track Record of Launching Careers

Since its launch, the LVMH Prize has helped accelerate the careers of designers such as Marine Serre, Simon Porte Jacquemus, Thebe Magugu, Grace Wales Bonner, and Duran Lantink. Last year’s winner was Soshiotsuki, the label by Japanese designer Soshi Otsuki, known for oversized tailoring inspired by 1980s Giorgio Armani.

With more than 2,400 applications submitted for the 2026 edition, the competition once again demonstrates its worldwide appeal. After the semifinal showcase and final selection of eight finalists, the winners will be announced at a ceremony later this year, marking the conclusion of the 2026 LVMH Prize timeline.

As Paris Fashion Week approaches, industry insiders will be watching closely to see which of the 20 emerging brands advances to the final stage, and potentially joins the ranks of fashion’s next major names.

Featured image: LVMH

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