terms of production, so I’m hoping to learn how to scale up and make more pieces. I’m also excited to learn about the business side of things, like how to price things and how to make sure we’re making a profit.
Major Fashion Houses Prepare for New Creative Leaders
As the fashion world eagerly awaits the debut of new creative directors at major fashion houses, young talent continues to thrive and make its mark. This year, the prestigious LVMH Prize for Young Designers was held on September 3 at the Foundation Louis Vuitton. The event saw a panel of nine creative directors from LVMH Houses, including industry heavyweights like Jonathan Anderson, Marc Jacobs, and Phoebe Philo, alongside other notable figures like Pharell Williams and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone.
And the Winners Are…
After much anticipation, the winners of the LVMH Prize were announced. Soshi Otsuki, the designer behind Soshiotsuki, took home the top prize of 400,000€ and a one-year mentorship program with LVMH experts. The Karl Lagerfeld Prize, which comes with a 200,000€ endowment and a year-long mentorship with the LVMH Group, was awarded to Steve O Smith and his eponymous brand. Torishéju Dumi of Torishéju was also recognized with the Savoir-Faire Prize for his sustainable innovation and craftsmanship.
Insights from the Winners
Hypebeast caught up with each of the winners to discuss their thoughts on this milestone achievement and what they hope to learn from their mentorship. Soshi Otsuki, who designs menswear with a focus on Japanese heritage and high-quality fabrication, expressed his desire to expand his brand vision and reach a wider audience. Steve O Smith, known for his intricate couture designs, hopes to learn how to scale up production and gain a better understanding of the business side of the industry.
A Full Circle Moment
For Soshi Otsuki, this win is a full circle moment as he was previously shortlisted for the LVMH Prize a decade ago. He reflects on how his brand has evolved and improved since then, and looks forward to utilizing the mentorship to continue growing and expanding his brand.
Recognizing and Nurturing Young Talent
The LVMH Prize not only recognizes and celebrates young talent in the fashion industry, but also provides valuable mentorship and financial support to help these designers reach their full potential. With the guidance of LVMH experts, these rising stars are sure to make a lasting impact in the fashion world.
