LVMH kicks-off second edition of the Young Fashion Designer Prize

Following the success of the first edition of LVMH début Young Fashion Designer Prize, the multinational conglomerate firm has announced the launch of the award's 2015 edition.

Launched in 2013 and led by none other than Delphine Arnault, daughter of Bernard Arnault and second in command at Louis Vuitton, the award is open to all designers under the age of 40, who have presented and sold at least two collections of women's or men's ready-to-wear. Last year saw the London-based designer Thomas Tait win the inaugural award, who was presented with a 300,000 euro grant as well as a personalized 12 month mentor-ship from a selected LVMH team to oversee the ongoing development of his label.

In addition, the LVMH prize for 2015 will also recognize three recent fashion school graduates by awarding each one with a 10,000 euro grant and offering them the chance to join the design team at an LVMH label for a one year work placement. "With this second edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Designers, the Group confirms its ongoing dedication to young talent," commented Delphine Arnault. "It is our responsibility as leader of our industry to identify tomorrow’s talents and help them grow."

The famed jury for the second edition of the award has grown as well, with the addition of designer Jonathan Anderson, creative director at Loewe and founder of his eponymous label J.W Anderson. He joins the other nine creative directos of the LVMH fashion houses, which include Nicolas Ghesquière (Louis Vuitton), Marc Jacobs (Marc Jacobs), Karl Lagerfeld (Fendi), Humberto Leon and Carol Lim (Kenzo), Phoebe Philo (Céline), Raf Simons (Dior), and Riccardo Tisci (Givenchy).

Applicants for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers opened on January 6 and run until February 8, 2015 exclusively through the official LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers website, www.lvmhprize.com. Applicants for the recent fashion graduate awards have until May 3 to apply. The winner will be elected by the jury in the beginning of June, 2015.

Images: Thomas Tait with Delphine Arnault, winner of the LVMH 2014 Prize.