Julie Kegels Wins 2026 LVMH Prize Grand Award
Belgian designer Julie Kegels, 27, wins the 2026 LVMH Prize grand award, receiving €400,000 and mentorship. Zane Li and Anil Padia win the Karl Lagerfeld and Savoir-Faire prizes.
Belgian designer Julie Kegels has won the grand award at the 2026 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers. The 27-year-old womenswear designer receives a €400,000 endowment and a year of expert mentorship from the luxury conglomerate.
The final of the competition's 13th edition was held on September 4, 2026, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. According to the source report from Hypebeast, a jury of twelve creative directors selected the winners. The jury included Jonathan Anderson, Sarah Burton, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Nicolas Ghesquière, Stella McCartney, NIGO, Phoebe Philo, Michael Rider, and Pharrell Williams. Thai actress Urassaya Sperbund served as a special guest jury member.
The Grand Prize Winner
Julie Kegels impressed the panel with her contemporary womenswear, which champions individuality. Her namesake brand offers a multi-faceted wardrobe. Actress Jennifer Lawrence presented the award. In addition to the cash prize and mentorship, Kegels will receive a €20,000 fabric allowance from Nona Source, LVMH's platform for upcycled deadstock materials.
The Karl Lagerfeld Prize
The Karl Lagerfeld Prize was awarded to 25-year-old Chinese designer Zane Li, founder of the label LII. His work fuses sportswear with couture influences. Priyanka Chopra Jonas presented this award. Li's prize includes €200,000, a year of mentorship, and a €10,000 Nona Source allowance.
The Savoir-Faire Prize
Kenyan designer Anil Padia, 35, received the Savoir-Faire Prize for his brand Yoshita 1967. The award, presented by Urassaya Sperbund, recognizes his artisan- and community-led fashion project. Padia's womenswear champions handiwork and local craft.
Padia also receives €200,000 and a €10,000 fabric allowance. Also, he will get specialized support from LVMH Métiers d’Excellence. This involves a collaboration with embroidery specialist Maison Vermont, which will provide €50,000 worth of embellishments for his next collection.
All three winners gain access to tailored mentorship from LVMH experts. The competition aims to support emerging fashion talent. The prize packages combine financial grants with practical industry support and material resources.
The winners and their respective awards are summarized in the table below.
| Award | Winner | Age | Brand | Prize Endowment | Nona Source Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LVMH Prize Grand Award | Julie Kegels | 27 | Julie Kegels | €400,000 | €20,000 |
| Karl Lagerfeld Prize | Zane Li | 25 | LII | €200,000 | €10,000 |
| Savoir-Faire Prize | Anil Padia | 35 | Yoshita 1967 | €200,000 | €10,000 |
Note: Approximate USD conversions were provided in the source but are excluded here to focus on the primary figures. Anil Padia's specialized collaboration with Maison Vermont is valued at an additional €50,000. The event shows LVMH's ongoing investment in identifying and nurturing the next generation of fashion designers.
