Meet the Rising Stars: The Eight Finalists of the 2025 LVMH Prize

Celebrating Craftsmanship and Storytelling in an AI-Driven World

The finalists of the 2025 LVMH Prize for Young Designers. Courtesy of LVMH Prize

If you're a fashion lover, you know that the LVMH Prize is a big deal. Every year, it shines a spotlight on the most promising young designers, and this year’s finalists are making waves by embracing craftsmanship and personal storytelling—pushing back against the rise of generative AI in the fashion world.

This year, the eight finalists are all from major fashion capitals: three from London, three from Paris, one from Milan, and one from Tokyo. Mark your calendars because the grand finale will take place on September 3 at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.

Who Are the 2025 LVMH Prize Finalists?

Here’s a closer look at the talent shaping the future of fashion for 2025 LVMH Prize Finalists:

Steve O Smith fall 2024 Courtesy of Steve O Smith

1. Steve O Smith (London, UK)Steve O Smith has a unique approach—he turns his sketches into 3D wearable art. His bold, graphic designs have already caught the eyes of celebrities like Eddie Redmayne.

Tolu Coker spring 2025 Courtesy of Tolu Coker

2. Tolu Coker (London, UK)Through vibrant colors and sustainable fabrics, Tolu Coker tells powerful stories of the Black diaspora. Her designs aren’t just fashion—they’re cultural archives.

Torishéju spring 2024 Courtesy of Torisheju

3. Torishéju (London, UK)Torishéju Dumi made a stunning debut in Paris with Naomi Campbell on the runway. Her designs blend folklore and heritage, bringing a fresh perspective to Black artistry in fashion.

Alainpaul fall 2025 Luca Tombolini/Courtesy of Alainpaul

4. Alainpaul (Paris, France)A former ballet dancer turned designer, Alain Paul brings fluidity and movement into fashion with his “balletcore” aesthetic, now sold in over 30 retailers worldwide.

All-In spring 2024 Courtesy of All-in

5. All-In (Paris, France)What started as a fashion magazine turned into a clothing brand. Founders Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø are known for reworking existing garments in creative ways—loved by celebs like Rihanna and Kylie Jenner.

Zomer fall 2025 Courtesy of Zomer

6. Zomer (Paris, France)Danial Aitouganov left his role at Louis Vuitton to launch Zomer, where he experiments with surrealist designs and unexpected garment constructions.

Soshiotsuki spring 2025 Courtesy of Soshiotsuki

7. Soshiotsuki (Tokyo, Japan)A master of blending Japanese and Western fashion, Soshi Otsuki’s oversized suits—loved by A$AP Rocky—are making waves in menswear.

Francesco Murano fall 2024 Courtesy of Francesco Murano

8. Francesco Murano (Milan, Italy)With Beyoncé and Cardi B already fans of his sculptural designs, Francesco Murano fuses Greek-inspired tailoring with modern elegance.

The Future of Fashion: Craftsmanship Over AI

With AI rapidly changing the industry, these designers are proving that human touch and craftsmanship still reign supreme. Delphine Arnault, the CEO of Christian Dior Couture, noted how this year’s finalists are focused on authenticity, heritage, and self-expression.

And the stakes? The grand prize winner gets a €400,000 award and a year of mentorship from LVMH’s industry experts. There are also two runner-up prizes, each worth €200,000, plus mentorship opportunities.

What’s Next?

Fashion lovers, keep an eye on these names—they’re the future of the industry. The 2025 LVMH Prize winner will be announced in September, and until then, we’ll be watching these designers continue to shape the world of fashion with their visionary work.

What do you think of this year’s finalists? Let’s chat in the comments!