Andam announces 2014 finalists

Andam, the French Ministry of Culture’s initiative to support the work of young designers, has unveiled its 2014 Fashion Prize finalists. Fausto Puglisi, Rad Hourani, Iris van Herpen, Jean-Paul Lespagnard, Yiqing Yin, Steven Tai and Études Studio will all compete for the chance to win 250,000

 euros.

The international honour, which has previous been won by Giles Deacon, Richard Nicoll, and Gareth Pugh, marks its 25th anniversary this year and in addition to the 250,000 euro prize money, the winner will also benefit from mentorship for two consecutive seasons by Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault.

In addition, the winner, who will be announced in Paris this July, will also win a collaboration with Thecorner.com, the support of Hudson's Bay Company, which pledges to buy the winning Spring/Summer 2015 collection, 10,000 euros of Swarovski crystals to be used in the their collection, and advice on digital strategies from Fashion GPS.

Commenting on his nomination, Tai, who is based in London, told Style.com: “I am very honoured to be a part of this year’s finalists. The Andam Award is one of the most globally recognised support for designers over the last 25 years. I am incredibly excited (and a bit nervous too!) to present my work to the jury.”

Andam names finalists for 2014 Fashion Prize

The shortlist for Andam’s First Collection prize was also announced - Coperni, Gauchère and Monographie will compete for the 75,000 euros prize and the chance to receive a commercial and strategic mentorship by London, Paris and Milan-based distribution showroom Tomorrow London Ltd, and an exclusive space in Galeries Lafayette’s flagship store in Paris to present two collections.

This year’s Andam jury includes Pierre Bergé of the Foundation Pierre Bergé at Yves Saint-Laurent, Ellen von Unwerth, Caroline de Maigret, Condé Nast France president Xavier Romatet, and Vogue China’s editor-in-chief Angelica Cheung. They will evaluate the seven finalists on their “creative and business potential”, with the winner chosen by majority vote.

Last year’s Andam Fashion Prize was won by menswear designer Alexander Mattiusi, while Christine Phung was awarded the First Collection honour. The 2014 winners will be announced July 3.

Andam, the French acronym for the National Association for the Development of the Fashion Arts, has also announced that it plans to mark its silver anniversary with a retrospective exhibition and a party during Paris Fashion Week this autumn.

Image: Steven Tai SS14