Call it fashion’s back-to-school moment—the LVMH Prize took place in Paris this afternoon, reuniting people across the industry who showed up to support the eight rising talents selected as finalists. Earlier this morning, they presented their collections in front of a heavyweight jury—think Phoebe Philo, Pharrell Williams, Stella McCartney, Jonathan Anderson, and for the first time, Sarah Burton. Anna Sawai was there as an ambassador, meeting each of the finalists. Ahead of the ceremony, in an auditorium laid in grassy green carpet, guests hushed to watch short films from all of the designers, each as different an expression as their work. If each of the 12 editions of the Prize has reflected something of the times, what of this class of 2025? The ambition to put their identity and individuality front and center. “A kind of a statement,’” said Julie Gilhart, who meets many of the designers as their just starting off. “There’s craft as always, but I think if you look at everyone, they’re all so different with their strengths and power.”
