Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize reveals shortlist

Luxury hotel group the Dorchester Collection has unveiled the five shortlisted finalists for its third annual Fashion Prize, which this year was open to designers of ready-to-wear and accessories based in France, Switzerland, Belgium,

Netherlands and Luxembourg who have operated their brand for at least two years.

Following a judging session at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris, the five designers who will be competing in the final are: womenswear brand Augustin Teboul; womenswear label Calla; fashion and accessory brand IRM Design; menswear brand Les Garçons Paris; and fur specialist Quentin Veron.

The finalists will showcase their designs at a catwalk held in Paris in front of the judges and a VUP audience on October 16, where the judges will select one winner who “best demonstrates an original aesthetic flair, a capability for future critical distinction and commercial success”. The winner of the 2012 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize will be awarded a prize of €30,000, plus a stay during spring Fashion Week 2013 at a Dorchester Collection property in either Paris or Milan.

Commenting on her judging role, Vanity Fair's Elizabeth Saltzman said: “I feel honoured to have been part of the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize since it began and I’m immensely proud of its important role in helping emerging talent reach new heights.

“This year’s finalists have shown tremendous creativity and together I believe they represent the very best of the fashion industry’s forward-thinking and innovative nature.”

This year’s judging panel also included Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, Nathalie Rykiel, CEO of Sonia Rykiel, Roger Vivier's Artistic Director Bruno Frisoni, and Lorenz Baumer, renowned designer of Louis Vuitton jewellery.

Previous winners of the prize include designer Thomas Tait in 2010 and jewellery and accessories designers Anndra Neen in 2011.