The Kyoto-born designer triumphs at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, securing the prestigious LVMH Prize and recognition from fashion luminaries.
In a momentous celebration of emerging talent, the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris played host to the 10th-anniversary edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Designers. The prestigious accolade, awarded annually by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, recognizes outstanding creativity, innovation, and vision in the fashion industry. After an intense competition that attracted approximately 2,400 applicants from 15 countries, Setchu, designed by Satoshi Kuwata, emerged as the deserving winner.
On Wednesday evening, the Israeli actress Gal Gadot had the honor of crowning Kuwata the victor, in the presence of a distinguished panel of industry experts serving as jury members. Among them were luminaries such as Maria Grazia Chiuri and Kim Jones from Dior, Nicolas Ghesquière from Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, and Jonathan Anderson from Loewe. Kuwata’s triumph over eight other remarkable finalists, including Luar by Raul Lopez, Diotima by Rachel Scott, Aaron Esh, Paolina Russo, Lucile Guilmard, Burç Akyol, and Quira by Veronica Leoni, solidifies his place as an exciting force within the fashion landscape.
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Kuwata ventured to London at the age of 21 to pursue fashion design studies at Central Saint Martins. His journey in the industry commenced at Hunstman in Savile Row, followed by invaluable experiences at Gareth Pugh in London, Kanye West and Givenchy in Paris, Edun in New York City, and Golden Goose in Milan. In 2020, he established his own unisex brand, Setchu, marking the beginning of his creative exploration and personal vision.
The LVMH Prize is not merely a financial reward; it is an affirmation of talent and an unparalleled opportunity for the winner. Kuwata will receive a grand prize of €400,000 EUR, a significant boost to further develop and expand his brand. Equally invaluable is the year-long mentorship offered by LVMH experts in areas crucial to the success of any fashion business, including sustainability, communications, marketing, legal, production, and finance. This guidance from industry leaders will undoubtedly provide a solid foundation for Kuwata’s continued growth and creative evolution.
Over the past decade, the LVMH Prize has become synonymous with uncovering and nurturing promising designers who shape the future of fashion. Past recipients, including S.S. Daley, Nensi Dojaka, Thebe Magugu, Marine Serre, and Grace Wales Bonner, have successfully transitioned from emerging talents to established names, thanks in part to the support and exposure provided by the prize. Kuwata now joins this illustrious cohort, and the fashion world eagerly anticipates witnessing his creative journey unfold.
In addition to Setchu’s triumph, the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, which honors the late fashion icon’s enduring legacy, was awarded to two deserving designers: Julie Pelipas from Ukraine, representing Bettter, and Luca Maglliano from Italy, showcasing Magliano. These talented designers will receive €200,000 EUR each, alongside year-long mentorships from LVMH, further cementing their positions as promising stars within the industry.
As the fashion landscape evolves and diversifies, the LVMH Prize for Young Designers continues to serve as a beacon of hope and support for emerging talents, recognizing their potential and providing invaluable.
