In a groundbreaking moment for African fashion, four African designers have made it to the semi-finals of the 2025 LVMH Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in global fashion. This marks a historic first for the continent, shining a bright light on the rising wave of African creativity, innovation, and cultural storytelling on the world stage.
A New Era for African Fashion
The LVMH Prize, launched in 2014 by luxury conglomerate LVMH (owners of Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, and more), seeks to discover and support the world’s most promising emerging designers. This year’s semi-finalists from Africa reflect a powerful blend of sustainability, heritage, and futuristic design philosophies.
Meet the Groundbreaking Designers:
Tolu Coker (British-Nigerian)
A Central Saint Martins alum, Tolu Coker has built a reputation for infusing her designs with strong Afro-diasporic narratives, inclusive casting, and eco-conscious materials. Her collections are known for their emotional depth and bold political statements about Black identity and belonging.
David Kusi Boyedoe (Ghanaian)
David is redefining menswear through a uniquely African lens, blending traditional Ghanaian silhouettes with contemporary tailoring. His work stands out for its deconstructive techniques, rich textiles, and emphasis on craftsmanship and cultural memory.
Yasmin Mansour (Egyptian)
Based in Cairo, Yasmin creates sculptural garments using handwoven and recycled fabrics. Her designs are rooted in ancient Egyptian aesthetics but reimagined with a modern, avant-garde twist—bridging the past and future of North African fashion.
Torishéju Dumi (British-Nigerian-Brazilian)
A creative powerhouse, Torishéju draws from Yoruba folklore and diasporic storytelling to craft dramatic, couture-inspired pieces. Her multidimensional background is reflected in every collection, which combines sensual silhouettes, symbolism, and cultural resilience.
Why This Matters
This moment is not just a win for the designers—it’s a cultural victory for Africa. These creatives are not only elevating the continent’s presence in global luxury fashion, but they’re also challenging Eurocentric standards of beauty and design.
The LVMH Prize offers life-changing resources, including:
- A grant of up to €400,000
- One-year mentorship from LVMH’s elite network
- Unmatched exposure to global buyers and media
Whether or not they go on to win the final prize, these designers are already reshaping the future of fashion—one stitch, one story, and one spotlight at a time.
