LVMH announces shortlist for young designers prize

Twenty-six designers are now one step closer to winning this year's coveted LVMH Prize, which grants the young fashion designer 300,000 euros and a year's support from top LVMH mentors. Next stop, Paris, where they will present their collections to a panel of 45 industry experts to become one of eight finalists.

The 2015 shortlist includes three of last year's semi-finalists, Simon Porte Jacquemus, Craig Green, and Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida.

"It shows they have a lot of potential that they were selected again this year -- and how they've grown and clarified even more their vision," said Delphine Arnault in an official release.

The statement adds that there is "a great interest from young talents to get support from LVMH. As the leader in our industry, it's our responsibility to identify young talents and help them grow."

The 26 semi-finalists in the runnings for LVMH's 2015 young designers' award are:

Devon Halfnight Leflufy (Antwerp)

Agi & Sam (London)

Andrea Jiapei Li (China)

Anton Belinskiy (Kiev)

Arthur Arbesser (Milan)

Astrid Andersen (Copenhagen)

Baja East (New York)

Coperni (Paris)

Craig Green (London)

Faustine Steinmentz (London)

Huishan Zhang (London)

Jaquemus (Paris)

Jourden (Hong Kong)

Koche (Paris)

Marques Almeida (London)

Nabil Nayal (London)

Nasir Mazhar (London)

Off White (Chicago)

Orley (New York)

Ryan Lo (London)

Ryan Roche (Hurley, NY)

Sankuanz (China)

Vetements (Paris)

WrittenAfterwards (Japan)

Xiao Li (London)

XimonLee (New York)

In terms of sheer quantity, shortlisted designers from across Asia look the most likely to claim the winning prize. British designers also feature heavily in this year's shortlist. No less than nine of the LVMH prize hopefuls are from London. 

Craig Green, Huishan Zhang, Faustine Steinmetz and Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida, the design duo behind Marques Almeida, are all Central Saint Martins graduates, while Nabil Nayal founders Xiao Li and Nabil El-Nayal studied at the Royal College of Art.

LVMH is also developing a taste for luxury streetwear and the "agender" trend for unisex fashion as it spotlights urban fashion-focused brands such as Astrid Andersen, Nasir Mazhar, WrittenAfterwards and Baja East.

The next cut will be made during Paris Fashion Week in March, while the final prize will be awarded in May.

Follow this year's LVMH fashion talent contest:

www.lvmhprize.com