After first launching in 2013, the LVMH Prize has become one of fashion’s most coveted awards among young designers, previously helping to launch the careers of past winners including Marine Serre, Grace Wales Bonner, and Marques’Almeida. Today, the 20 semi-finalists for the 2019 edition of the prize have been announced. 

With great representation for London-based talents, Fashion East designer Stefan Cooke appears on the shortlist for the first time, along with Kiko Kostadinov, Paria Farzaneh, and Bethany Williams. After making it to the semi-finals of the 2017 prize, Richard Malone returns again for this year’s list. Elsewhere, the rest of the world is represented from Montreal to Tel Aviv. Hailing from South Africa, Thebe Magugu – whose zine Faculty Press we recently featured – is in the runnings for the win with his eponymous label. Swiss designer Kévin Germanier is also nominated for his sparkling yet sustainable designs. 

Following the announcement of the semi-finalists, a panel of industry experts – including Dazed’s Jefferson Hack, Naomi Campbell, Michel Gaubert, and Adrian Joffe – will narrow the list down to eight finalists; one who will win the grand prize of €300,000 and a year’s worth of mentorship. This year, replacing the Special Prize is the Prize for Young Fashion Graduates – a chance to win €100,000 and to work at one of LVMH’s fashion houses. Stay tuned for the three lucky graduates shortlisted. 

View the full list of semi-finalists below: 

3.Paradis by Emeric Tchatchoua

Anrealage by Kunihiko Morinaga 

Bethany Williams by Bethany Williams 

Bode by Emily Adams Bode

Boramy Viguier by Boramy Viguier 

Duran Lantink by Duran Lantink 

Eftychia by Eftychia Karamolegkou 

Germanier by Kévin Germanier 

Hed Mayner by Hed Mayner 

Hu by Caroline Hu 

Kanghyuk by Kanghyuk Choi and Sanglak Shon

Kiko Kostadinov by Kiko Kostadinov

Kenneth Ize by Kenneth Izedonmwen 

Lecavalier by Marie-Eve Lecavalier 

Paria/Farzaneh by Paria Farzaneh 

Phipps by Spencer Phipps 

Richard Malone by Richard Malone 

Stefan Cooke by Stefan Cooke & Jake Burt 

Susan Fang by Susan Fang 

Thebe Magugu by Thebe Magugu