After the semi-final on March 4th and 5th, eight talents were selected from the 19 semi-finalists competing for the 2022 LVMH prize. Ranging from the United States to Nigeria, the finalists are diverse in their range, two focusing on genderless collections, three focus on womenswear, and another three focusing on menswear. This year, the finalists are Ashlyn from South Korea, ERL from the US, Winnie New York from the US, KNWLS from the UK, RYUNOSUKEOKAZAKI from Japan, S.S. DALEY from the UK, Róisín Pierce from Ireland, and TOKYO JAMES from Nigeria.

Entering its ninth edition of the award since its conception in 2014, the LVMH prize has helped endorse and secure the status’ of fashions up-and-comers and current strongholds. From winners like Nensi Dojaka and Marine Serre to industry favorites like Supriya Lele, Rui Zhou, and Chopova Lowena. The finalists will be competing for the grand prize and Karl Lagerfeld Prize, the winner being determined by the Jury of the LVMH prize.

See below to get a closer look at the eight designers, here.

ASHLYN by Ashlynn Park

Based in New York City, the native of Seoul, South Korea, has worked as a designer for Yohji Yamamoto before getting her start in the US under the wing of Alexander Wang. Focusing on the application of eastern techniques marrying Western silhouettes, ASHLYN’s fans include Miley Cyrus and Madonna. 

ERL by Eli Russel Linnetz

The mastermind behind A$AP Rocky’s quilted ensemble at the 2021 Met Gala last September, the Venice Beach-based line designs for everybody: ranging from men, women, and children. Inspired by the spirit of California, the DNA of skating and surfing are blended into every piece. 

KNWLS by Charlottes Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault

Graduates of Central Saint Martins, the duo’s signature of mesh, layering, and the innately sexy, have emerged as staples for Bella Hadid, Kardashian-Jenners even being worn by Beyoncé last spring. The label is a social media favorite, the confidence of the printed corset tops and subversive sleeve shapes appealing to both celebrity and Instagram girl alike. 

 

Roisin Pierce by Róisín Pierce

Winning Chanel’s Métiers d’Arts Prize in 2019, the Irish designer has not looked back, having collaborated with the maison in 2020. Focusing on upcycling and recycling, Pierce’s exploration of Irish women’s history and sustainability has led her to emerge as a public favorite. 

Ryunosukeokazaki by Rynosuke Ozakazi

Graduate of the Tokyo University of the Arts, Okazaki is not shy to make a grand impression. Colorful and Kafkaesque, his avant-garde style brings back a drama that we are all excited to continue seeing. 

S.S. Daley by Steven Stokey-Daley

Offering a detailed lens of a  period of “what once was,” Daley’s designs are a closer look into the history of British androgyny and the lines of class. A favorite of Harry Styles, Daley recently outfitted Mick Fleetwood for Styles’ beauty brand Pleasing. 

Tokyo James by Iniye Tokyo James

Founded in 2015, James is a blend of British tailoring with Nigerian edge, the Lagos-based label known for its unconventional textile choices while utilizing traditional Saville Row tailoring. A challenge to the stereotypes forced upon African fashion, James’ rebellion has amassed a fanbase that includes Burna Boy.

Winnie New York by Idris Balogun

Balogun – Nigerian-born and British-raised- worked for Burberry and Tom Ford before launching his label. Timeless with edgy twists, Winnie combines the designer’s experience in traditional tailoring (having lied about his age to get an apprenticeship at Saville Row) and his own aesthetic, focusing on authenticity and education.