6 designers of Asian heritage secure spots in 2026 LVMH Prize semis

Six designers of Asian heritage are among the 20 semi-finalists selected for the 13th edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, with two Chinese labels making the shortlist as the prestigious competition draws over 2,400 applicants from around the world. Kinyan Lam and Zane Li — both China-based designers — will present genderless and mixed-gender collections, respectively, at the semi-final showroom in Paris on March 4 and 5, 2026. The event will be held for the first time at La Samaritaine, the historic Parisian department store owned by LVMH. Japan contributes two semi-finalists: Shinya Kozuka, whose menswear label Shinyakozuka earned a place alongside fellow Japanese designer Kiichiro Asakawa and his brand Ssstein, which spans menswear and genderless collections. India’s Kartik Research, founded by Kartik Kumra, returns to the competition having previously reached the semi-finals in 2023 — the only label in this year’s cohort of Asian heritage designers to have competed before. Also representing the region is Nong Rak, a Thai-American label co-founded by Cherry W. Rain-Phuangfueang and Teerapat Phuangfueang, marking the first time Thailand has been represented in the competition. The six designers of Asian heritage form the largest non-European bloc in this year’s shortlist. Their inclusion reflects growing international recognition of Asian creative talent at a moment when luxury groups are paying close attention to voices emerging from Asia and its diaspora. Delphine Arnault’s Vision “This year’s 20 semi-finalists come from major fashion capitals, as well as, for the first time, Georgia, Kenya and Thailand,” said Delphine Arnault, who oversees the prize. “Craftsmanship and research into materials lie at the heart of their creations.” During the semi-final, a committee of more than 80 fashion industry specialists will select eight finalists. The public may also vote for their eight favorite brands via lvmhprize.com from March 4 to 8. Three awards are on offer: the main LVMH Prize, carrying a 400,000-euro ($474,000) endowment and a one-year mentorship; the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, worth 200,000 euros ($237,000); and the Savoir-Faire Prize, also worth 200,000 euros ($237,000), which focuses on craftsmanship, artisanal expertise, and sustainability.

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6 designers of Asian heritage secure spots in 2026 LVMH Prize semis