Japanese designer Soshi Otsuki has been awarded the highly coveted 2025 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers. The prestigious award ceremony took place at the iconic Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, recognizing Otsuki's innovative contributions to menswear.
Otsuki will receive a substantial prize of €400,000 and a year of invaluable mentorship from LVMH experts. He founded his menswear label, Soshiotsuki, in 2015. His distinctive design philosophy is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of late 1980s Japan, a period characterized by economic exuberance. Otsuki masterfully reinterprets vintage Italian pieces, infusing them with a contemporary Japanese perspective and a unique tailoring sensibility, drawing inspiration from the era's powerful, oversized suits.
Selected from over 2,300 applicants, Otsuki emerged victorious against seven other finalists. The jury included fashion luminaries such as Jonathan Anderson, Nicolas Ghesquière, Pharrell Williams, Nigo, Phoebe Philo, and Sarah Burton. Otsuki had previously been shortlisted for the LVMH Prize in 2016, making his 2025 win a testament to his perseverance and the maturation of his creative vision.
The ceremony also honored other emerging talents. British designer Steve O Smith received the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, recognizing his exceptional talent and unique design approach. Torishéju Dumi was awarded the Savoir-Faire Prize, acknowledging her mastery of craftsmanship and innovative techniques. Both Smith and Dumi received significant endowments and crucial mentorship opportunities, underscoring LVMH's commitment to fostering new creative voices.
Established in 2013, the LVMH Prize has consistently served as a vital launchpad for emerging designers, with past recipients like Jacquemus, Marine Serre, and Grace Wales Bonner achieving significant international acclaim. The mentorship component provides emerging designers with essential guidance in business management, communication, and sustainable practices, enabling them to navigate the fashion world and build lasting careers.