LVMH Prize 2025: African Designers Shine in the Semi-Finals
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AFI Insider
The LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, one of the most prestigious accolades in the fashion industry, has unveiled its semi-finalists for 2025, and the list includes an impressive cohort of African talent.
This announcement has sparked excitement across the fashion world, underscoring the growing recognition of African designers on the global stage.
Among the semi-finalists are four standout African designers: Tolu Coker (Nigeria/UK), Torishéju Dumi (Nigeria/UK), Yasmin Mansour (Egypt), and David Kusi Boye-Doe (Ghana).
Each of these designers has already made waves in the fashion industry, earning acclaim for their innovative designs and unique perspectives:
Tolu Coker's brand, TOLU COKER, has become a fixture at London Fashion Week, where her shows are celebrated for their bold storytelling and cultural richness.
Torishéju Dumi of TORISHÉJU gained international recognition after her work was featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2024 Sleeping Beauties exhibition, a testament to her artistic vision.
David Kusi Boye-Doe of BOYEDOE has showcased his collections in fashion capitals like Milan and Paris, earning praise for his craftsmanship and modern aesthetic.
Yasmin Mansour, whose brand MANSOUR is a mainstay at Middle Eastern fashion weeks, is known for her elegant designs that blend tradition with contemporary flair.
These designers now have the opportunity to present their collections to a panel of industry experts.
If successful, they will advance to the finals, competing for the grand prize, which includes €400,000 and a year of mentorship from LVMH’s team of experts.
Africa’s Growing Influence in the LVMH Prize
The inclusion of African designers in the LVMH Prize semi-finals is not a new phenomenon but rather a continuation of a remarkable trend.
Since Thebe Magugu of South Africa became the first African designer to win the LVMH Prize in 2019, the continent’s influence in the competition has only grown.
- Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize was a finalist in 2019 alongside Thebe Magugu and has since gained global recognition, with supermodel Naomi Campbell among his high-profile supporters.
- In 2020, Sindiso Khumalo, based in Cape Town, was named a joint winner of the prize, a decision made by LVMH in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Lukhanyo Mdingi, another South African designer, reached the finals in 2021 and was awarded the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, often regarded as the runner-up award.
- Adeju Thompson, founder of Lagos Space Programme, was shortlisted in 2021 and went on to win the International Woolmark Prize in 2023.
- In 2022, Idris Balogun, the Nigerian-American co-founder of WINNIE, received the Karl Lagerfeld Award, while Tokyo James, also from Nigeria, was a finalist.
- The trend continued in 2023 with Faith Oluwajimi of Bloke reaching the semi-finals, and in 2024, Togolese designer Jacques Agbobly earned a semi-final spot for his brand, Agbobly.
Why This Matters
The consistent presence of African designers in the LVMH Prize highlights the continent’s impact and influence globally. These designers are redefining aesthetics, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the richness of African culture. Their success serves as an inspiration to emerging talents across the continent and beyond.
As the 2025 semi-finalists prepare to present their collections, the fashion world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in this remarkable story.
Will one of these African designers take home the grand prize? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Africa’s fashion is here to stay.