Satoshi Kuwata Wins LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers
On June 7, Satoshi Kuwata, founder of the fashion brand Setchu, received the 2023 LVMH Prize. Evaluated by a jury comprised of eight LVMH Group’s artistic directors, the tenth edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers was hosted at the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers
As one of the world’s leading fashion conglomerates, LVMH is home to a diverse group of influential creatives that are paving the way for fashion. The Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Group, most commonly known by the acronym LVMH, annually recognizes notable upcoming designers with acknowledgments, endowments, and mentorships.
In particular, the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers awards the talent and outstanding creativity of designers from around the world. It also encourages them to incorporate solutions to environmental issues in their creative process. Winning the award comes with a monetary reward as well as expert mentorship by the LVMH’s team. This year, Japanese designer Satoshi Kuwata, founder of the genderless brand Setchu, was awarded the main Prize.
Delphine Arnault, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Christian Dior Couture, highlighted Kuwata’s brand and craftsmanship. “Today, I am delighted to celebrate the tenth edition of the LVMH Prize and to honour Setchu whose designs blend great tailoring and elegance, producing collections that are both streamlined and exquisitely cut,” she said in a statement.
Additionally, fashion brands Better by Julie Pelipas and Magliano by Luca Magliano were recognized with the Karl Lagerfeld Prize. Chinese singer Xin Liu joined the ceremony as presenter, while Jonathan Anderson, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs, Kim Jones, Stella McCartney, Nigo, and Silvia Venturini Fendi made up the jury.
Setchu by Satoshi Kuwata
Satoshi Kuwata, 39, founded Setchu with the intention of fusing diverse cultures. The Japanese designer combines his heritage with his diverse background living and working in various fashion capitals around the world, including Paris, London, New York, and, currently, Milan. Having accumulated experience with names like Givenchy and Edun, Kuwata’s expertise is noticeable in Setchu’s creative direction.
The designer’s mission is imbued in the brand’s name, which is derived from the Japanese word “Wayo Setchu” and means a compromise between Japanese and Western concepts. As per the brand’s website, Setchu specializes in “simple and functional” unisex garments, transcending the conventional boundaries of gender. Minimalist designs and a neutral color palette complement the label’s subtle elegance.
Drawing on the Japanese phrase “Mottainai” — used by Japanese environmentalists to encourage reducing, reusing, and recycling — Setchu is notably committed to sustainability. With an emphasis on avoiding waste, the brand’s approach to clothing leans away from extravagance and into practicality and purpose.
LVMH Group will host the eleventh edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2024, continuing its tradition of recognizing and endowing talented creatives in the fashion industry.
Looking to read more about current happenings in the fashion industry? Read about ENHYPEN’s appointment as Prada’s brand ambassador here.
