“I’m speechless,” said Belgian designer Julie Kegels, after being presented with the 2026 LVMH Prize by Jennifer Lawrence at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris on Friday. The Belgian designer, who went on to thank most of her team members by name, is known for her varied explorations of feminine identity. She will receive a €400,000 cash grant and a year of customized mentorship from a team of LVMH experts.
Julie Kegels.
Photo: Courtesy of LVMH Prize
On Friday morning in Paris, the nine finalists presented their collections to a megawatt jury, featuring industry titans including Jonathan Anderson, Phoebe Philo, Nicolas Ghesquière, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pharrell Williams, alongside LVMH Prize founder and Dior CEO Delphine Arnault.
The Karl Lagerfeld Prize for Innovation was awarded to New York-based designer Zane Li of Lii by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Born in Chongqing, China, the FIT graduate is known for his blending of sportswear and couture, and will receive €200,000 as well as a year mentorship from LVMH experts.
Zane Li.
Photo: Courtesy of LVMH Prize
Anil Padia.
Photo: Courtesy of LVMH Prize
The Savoir-Faire Prize, presented by Thai actor and model Urassaya Sperbund, went to Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia, the first Kenyan finalist in the prize’s history. The award was introduced in 2024 to celebrate artisanship, in a luxury industry that’s increasingly placing emphasis on craft and heritage to underscore its value. Padia will receive €200,000 and a mentorship from LVMH experts.
