UK-based designers Tolu Coker and Torisheju Dumi have been announced as finalists for the 2025 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers. The two designers, who are of African descent, were selected alongside six designers, including the UK’s Steve O Smith, France’s Alainpaul, Italian designer Francesco Murano, Japan’s Soshi Otsuki, Dutch’s Daniel Aitouganov, and Norwegian-US Designers Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbo.

All the designers will present their collections to the LVMH prize jury, who will select winners in various categories, including the LVMH Prize, the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, and the Savoir-Faire Prize — a newly-created category that rewards craftsmanship, technical innovation, and sustainability. The winners will be announced on September 3, 2025, at the Foundational Louis Vuitton in Paris.

In a press release, the CEO of Dior, Delphine Arnault, stated that the collections of the finalists highlighted a high level of creativity and rich cultural backgrounds. She also said, “Each collection displayed an inspiring level of expertise in tailoring, craftsmanship, as well as great refinement, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them all.”

While the talent of all the selected designers are undeniable, most African fashion enthusiasts have their eyes on British-Nigerian designers Coker and Dumi, based on their individually outstanding careers. Coker is famed for infusing heritage and identity in her womenswear line and is also an advocate for sustainable fashion — a passion that led to the launch of her brand in 2021, with the aim of redefining luxury through cultural preservation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Celebrities who have worn her pieces include Tems and Doechii.

Dumi’s Torisheju fashion brand is another powerhouse in the industry. With collections that cater to men and women, Dumi has created pieces that feature sculptural, artistic designs, architectural structures, and an avant-garde aesthetic. She is also known for designing one of Zendaya’s memorable Dune: Part Two red carpet outfits, which further brought her work into the spotlight. As we await the announcement of the prize winners, there is no doubt that Coker and Dumi are top contenders for the prestigious prize.

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