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Each year, the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers not only provides emerging talent with financial support and mentorship but also introduces a new generation of names set to shape the industry’s future. The 2025 edition is no exception. For its 12th year running, the prize drew 2,300 applicants from around the world, all competing for a coveted spot.
Now, the competition has been whittled down to 20 semi-finalists from 15 countries. Stealing the spotlight? Three Arab designers, making waves and marking a significant moment for regional representation at fashion’s highest level. Their presence underscores the Middle East’s growing influence on the global stage—no longer a spectator in high fashion but a driving force.
On March 5 and March 6, these rising talents will present their collections in Paris, where both the public and an expert panel will cast their votes. The LVMH Prize 2025 will grant three awards: the Young Fashion Designers winner will receive a 400,000-euro endowment and a year of mentorship; the Karl Lagerfeld Prize runner-up will be awarded 200,000 euros and a year of mentorship; and the Savoir-Faire Prize recipient will receive a 200,000-euro grant along with mentorship.
Meet the Arab Finalists
Yasmin Mansour (Qatar)
Qatari designer Yasmin Mansour founded her eponymous brand in 2014, creating a conversation between sculptural elegance and artistic expression. Based in Qatar, her label is characterised by architectural silhouettes, intricate pleating, and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. Each piece is a tribute to artisanal excellence, reflecting her artistic vision, exceptional craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability.
With a thoughtful blend of texture and structure, Yasmin Mansour offers a refined take on luxury, merging fashion with contemporary art. Fresh off her win at the 2024 Fashion Trust Arabia Prize, Mansour continues to refine her signature aesthetic, which is both experimental and timeless. For her, fashion is more than just clothing—it’s about telling a story. Her designs exude a quiet sophistication, speaking to her unique ability to weave powerful narratives into each garment. Through her work, she aims to empower and celebrate femininity.
KML (Saudi Arabia)
Founded in 2022 by Ahmed and Razan Hassan, KML is a Saudi menswear brand that fuses research-driven design with a deep exploration of the evolution of human dress. KML’s collections strike a balance between historical references and contemporary relevance, with Ahmed Hassan’s razor-sharp tailoring defining the brand’s understated yet opulent aesthetic. This unique approach redefines Saudi menswear on the global stage.
KML’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that fashion should reflect humanity’s ever-evolving identity. By looking into the history and transformation of clothing, KML creates meaningful, relevant designs that speak to our collective human story. Since its inception, Hassan’s research-based approach has led to collections that showcase precision and personality, establishing KML as a standout force in the region.
Renaissance Renaissance (Lebanon)
Cynthia Merhej, the creative force behind Renaissance Renaissance, infuses her rich sartorial heritage into an avant-garde brand that redefines femininity. Merhej seamlessly blends modern design elements with period-inspired details, creating collections that feature sharp, contemporary silhouettes softened by delicate touches. Her work challenges traditional notions of womanhood, engaging in a dialogue that connects historical influences with today’s fashion trends in a way that is both intellectually engaging and effortlessly wearable.
Renaissance Renaissance redefines occasion wear while honouring traditional craftsmanship. Entirely crafted in Beirut, the brand collaborates with local artisans and family-owned factories, ensuring a commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility. By bridging eras, cultures, and identities, Merhej creates timeless garments that transcend fleeting trends. Her irreverent approach to femininity not only challenges established perceptions but also invites a deeper reflection on history, art, and the female body. A returning LVMH Prize contender since her shortlist appearance in 2021, Merhej’s work stands as a testament to innovative design and the evolving narrative of modern womanhood.
