26 designers have been shortlisted for the coveted LVMH Prize. 9 London-based talents are among them, including ELLE favourites Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida (, above). The duo already has a Topshop colloboration in the bag and is known for genius denim innovation and a raw-edged, streety aesthetic.
Also representing London is textile manipulator Craig Green, Dior Couture-trained Huishan Zhang, hyper-romantic Ryan Lo, knitwear specialist Xiao Li, Elizabethan era-fascinated Nabil El-Nayal, classic-twister Faustine Steinmetz and contemporary menswear label Agi & Sam.
The prize package includes €300,000 (about £220,000) and a year’s mentorship from execs at the prestigious LVMH group (Louis Vuitton, Celine, Givenchy, Fendi and Marc Jacobs are in its stable).
Central St Martins eductaed was the inaugural winner (the prize is only in its second year). Here's hoping another London-based talent scoops the prize this year.
