Julie Kegels Wins LVMH Prize 2026: Rising Star in Fashion

Belgian designer Julie Kegels won the 2026 LVMH Prize, according to an announcement in Paris, securing a €400,000 endowment and a one-year mentorship from LVMH experts after being selected from a pool of nine finalists by a jury that included Jonathan Anderson and Phoebe Philo. According to reports from Fondation Louis Vuitton, Julie Kegels claimed the top award during a presentation in Paris where actor Jennifer Lawrence presented the honor. Kegels, who graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, launched her namesake womenswear brand out of Antwerp in 2024. Her winning approach centers on deconstructed designs that subvert archetypal clothing to explore the various contradictions of femininity. 'I'm speechless,' Kegels said via video call following the presentation. She noted that her fall 2026 collection explored feminine auras and perception through silhouette manipulation, unconventional layering, and fabric prints. Under the terms of the award, she receives a €400,000 financial endowment paired with a one-year mentorship from a team of LVMH professionals. Zane Li and Anil Padia Win Karl Lagerfeld and Savoir-Faire Prizes Runners-up received substantial support during the Paris ceremony. Zane Li, a Chinese-born designer who founded the brand Lii out of New York in 2023 after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, won the Karl Lagerfeld Prize. Presented by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Li's award includes a €200,000 allocation and a one-year LVMH mentorship for his deconstructionist approach to clashing athletic wear with elegance. Meanwhile, the Savoir-Faire Prize went to Anil Padia, founder of Yoshita 1967, who became the first Kenyan finalist in the history of the event. Presented by Thai actor and model Urassaya Sperbund, Padia's award recognizes his handmade collections produced in Kenya by female artisans. Padia receives a €200,000 grant and a one-year mentorship program designed to help international brand growth. Focus on Infrastructure: According to designer interviews from the event, winners noted that their immediate priority for endowment funds is expanding small teams and strengthening operational infrastructure. According to designer interviews from the event, winners noted that their immediate priority for endowment funds is expanding small teams and strengthening operational infrastructure. Prioritize Craftsmanship: Judges highlighted authenticity and personal connection to artisanal craft as defining traits among this year's finalists. Frequently Asked Questions What is the financial value of the main LVMH Prize? The winner of the LVMH Prize receives an endowment of €400,000 alongside a one-year mentorship program from LVMH experts. Who presents the Karl Lagerfeld Prize and the Savoir-Faire Prize? At the recent Paris event, Priyanka Chopra Jonas presented the Karl Lagerfeld Prize to Zane Li, and Thai actor and model Urassaya Sperbund presented the Savoir-Faire Prize to Anil Padia. Photo: harpersbazaar.com When was Julie Kegels' brand founded? Julie Kegels launched her namesake womenswear brand out of Antwerp in 2024. What do you think of this year's LVMH Prize winners? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore more of our latest fashion industry coverage.