In March, 20 up-and-coming designers gathered in Paris to present their work to the LVMH Prize Committee of Experts. After a thorough review by more than 80 industry veterans, the list has been narrowed down to just nine finalists. The 2026 LVMH Prize finalists are: Colleen Allen by Colleen Allen from the United States; De Pino by Gabriel Figueiredo from France; Institution by Galib Gassanoff from Georgia; Julie Kegels by Julie Kegels from Belgium; Lii by Zane Li from China; Petra Fagerström by Petra Fagerström from Sweden; Ponte by Harry Pontefract from the United Kingdom; THEVXLLEY by Daniel del Valle Fernandez from Spain; and Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia from Kenya.
“I’m thrilled to announce the nine finalists for the 2026 LVMH Prize,” said Delphine Arnault, Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture and founder of the LVMH Prize, in a statement. “This shortlist shows the Prize’s global reach, with designers from the United States, Europe, China, and, for the first time, Kenya. Each finalist brings a unique creative vision and a highly refined take on traditional craftsmanship.”
The 2026 edition of the Prize introduces several new jury members. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez from Loewe, Camille Miceli from Emilio Pucci, Michael Rider from Celine, and Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, are all joining for the first time. They will sit alongside Jonathan Anderson, Sarah Burton, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Nigo, Phoebe Philo, Pharrell Williams, Jean-Paul Claverie, Sidney Toledano, and Arnault.
“I’m very grateful to our Committee of Experts for their dedication to supporting emerging talent,” Arnault added. “I warmly congratulate the finalists and look forward to welcoming them to the LVMH Prize final, which will be held at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.”
The final will take place on September 4, when the jury will select the winners of the LVMH Prize, the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, and the Savoir-Faire Prize. Last year’s winners were Soshiotsuki, Steve O Smith, and Torishéju, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the 2026 LVMH Prize finalists written in a natural tone with clear concise answers
General Beginner Questions
1 What exactly is the LVMH Prize
Its a prestigious global competition for young fashion designers The winner gets a major cash prize and a year of mentorship from top LVMH executives
2 Who are the 2026 finalists
The official list of finalists is typically announced in the spring To get the exact names youd need to check the official LVMH Prize website or major fashion news outlets like Vogue or Business of Fashion in AprilMay 2026
3 How are these finalists chosen
A panel of over 70 industry experts selects them from thousands of applicants They look for creativity originality and the brands potential to grow
4 When will the 2026 winner be announced
The winner is usually revealed at a ceremony in Paris in June or September often during Mens Fashion Week or Womens Fashion Week
5 Why should I care about the finalists
These designers are often the next big names in fashion Following them lets you discover groundbreaking trends and unique aesthetics before they go mainstream
More Specific Advanced Questions
6 What makes a brand stand out to the judges
Beyond just cool clothes judges look for a strong unique identity highquality craftsmanship a clear vision for the future and a compelling story Sustainability and ethical practices are also increasingly important
7 How did the 2026 finalists compare to previous years
This is hard to say until the list is out However recent years have seen a big focus on genderfluid design upcycling and cultural storytelling The 2026 finalists will likely continue or react against these trends
8 Do the finalists get anything besides the prize money
Yes Even if they dont win just being a finalist gives them massive media exposure industry connections and a huge boost in credibility with retailers and buyers
9 Is there a special prize for sustainability
Yes there is a separate