The LVMH Prize 2025: Celebrating the 3 Arab Finalists Shaping Fashion
The LVMH Prize 2025 will shine a spotlight on emerging designers from around the world, with Middle East talents making their mark this year. As part of its annual award, the LVMH prize has become a key platform for the new generation in fashion, offering financial support to those looking to shape the industry’s future.
In 2025, the competition received 2,300 applicants, with 20 shortlisted names battling for the coveted title. The top three designers will compete for a €400,000 endowment, while the Karl Lagerfeld Prize recipient will walk away with €200,000, alongside mentorship to guide their growth. The Louis Vuitton Foundation will also provide a stage for these rising talents to showcase their collections during Paris Fashion Week, with expert panels and public votes determining the winner.
Yasmin Mansour, Qatar
Yasmin Mansour, a Qatari designer, has been making waves in the fashion industry with her eponymous brand, which she launched in 2014. Known for her sculptural and architectural silhouettes, her designs showcase a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary vision. Each piece tells a story of artistic expression and sophistication, with intricate pleating, luxurious texture, and refined tailoring. Her work stands as a perfect example of exceptional craftsmanship, embracing sustainability while celebrating femininity and empowerment.
Mansour’s women’s wear collection, ranging from ready-couture to pret-a-couture, emphasizes bold silhouettes and roomy architectural shapes, blending luxury with modern artistry. Her work is a powerful narrative that captures the essence of luxury fashion, intertwining refined design with an eye for artistic excellence. With her recent recognition at the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize in 2024, Mansour is carving out a name as one of the most emerging designers to watch on the global stage.
Renaissance Renaissance (Lebanon)
Cynthia Merhej, the Lebanese designer behind Renaissance Renaissance, has captured the attention of the fashion world with her avant-garde approach to femininity. Her modern design incorporates period-inspired elements, blending historical influences with a sharp, contemporary silhouette. Each collection reflects a deep understanding of womanhood, drawing inspiration from eras, cultures, and identities. Delicate touches, like bows, ties, and frills, add charm to wearable pieces, making them perfect for occasion wear while maintaining an air of rebellion against fleeting trends.
Rooted in Beirut, Renaissance Renaissance is a family-owned brand that prioritizes traditional craftsmanship and works closely with local artisans and family-owned factories. Merhej’s designs balance quality, sustainability, and social responsibility, reflecting an irreverent approach to fashion. Her innovative designs have earned her a spot on the LVMH Prize shortlist as a semi-finalist, showcasing her modern womanhood narrative. With mini skirts, ruched tops, and bulbous skirts, her collections continue to resonate with the cool girl crowd, including icons like Chloe Sevigny, offering timeless garments that speak to both history and the female body.
KML (Saudi Arabia)
Founded in 2022, KML is a Saudi menswear label redefining contemporary fashion with a deep understanding of human dress. Led by Ahmed and Razan Hassan, the brand delves into history, exploring the meanings behind how humans have dressed over time. Their creations are a distilled blend of highbrow thinking and thought-provoking craftsmanship, challenging conventional notions of wearable fashion.
Inspired by evolution, transformation, and the collective human story, KML crafts richly draped wrap tunics, wide-legged trousers, and tops with discreet cut-out panels. Their razor-sharp tailoring, understated yet opulent aesthetic, and precision in design have gained attention from stylist Law Roach and projects like 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab. From Riyadh to the global stage, KML stands as a standout creative force, merging identity, personality, and meaningful, relevant designs that reshape fashion in the region and beyond.
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