Future of Fashion: Julie Kegels Triumphs at the 2026 LVMH Prize in Paris
September 8, 2026
The global fashion calendar just hit one of its most exciting high points as Belgian visionary Julie Kegels officially claimed top honors at the 2026 LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers. Presented during a star-studded ceremony at the Fondation LVMH in Paris by Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, the prestigious award celebrates groundbreaking independent talent set to define the next generation of global style.
Joined by impressive runners-up Zane Li of New York-based label Lii and Anil Padia of Kenya’s Yoshita 1967, this year’s winners stood out from an elite pool of nine global finalists. Judged by an iconic jury panel—including fashion heavyweights Jonathan Anderson, Sarah Burton, and Phoebe Philo—the 2026 edition proved that authenticity, craftsmanship, and storytelling are driving the future of high fashion.
At D-Muse Magz, we are completely obsessed with fashion’s newest pioneers. Grab your favorite coffee and settle in—here is your ultimate deep-dive into Julie Kegels’ big win, the standout runners-up, and how LVMH continues to nurture independent fashion houses!
1. Who Is Julie Kegels? Subverting Femininity from Antwerp
An alumnus of Antwerp’s famed Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Julie Kegels launched her namesake womenswear label in 2024. In just two short years, she has built an industry-wide reputation for exploring the complex contradictions of modern femininity through deconstructed silhouettes and subversive luxury.
Her Fall 2026 collection in Paris blew fashion editors away by exploring feminine auras, shadows, and perception. Through clever fabric prints, unconventional layering, and shadow-manipulated tailoring, Kegels proved that avant-garde ideas can still translate into strikingly wearable garments.
“You can always talk and explain your work, but at the end of the day, it’s about the clothes,” Kegels shared right after receiving her trophy from Jennifer Lawrence. “There is always a story around it, but I really think it also doesn’t have to be too complicated. It just has to have a detail that affects you.”
As the grand prize winner, Kegels receives a game-changing endowment of €400,000 along with a tailored, one-year mentorship from dedicated LVMH industry experts to help scale her independent infrastructure.
2. The 2026 LVMH Prize Breakdown: Winners & Star Presenters
The 2026 ceremony brought together international cinema icons and luxury fashion leaders to award three distinct categories:
| Award Category | Winner & Brand | Location / Roots | Presented By | Prize Endowment & Mentorship |
| LVMH Grand Prize | Julie Kegels (Julie Kegels) | Antwerp, Belgium | Jennifer Lawrence | €400,000 + 1-Year LVMH Mentorship |
| Karl Lagerfeld Prize | Zane Li (Lii) | New York, USA | Priyanka Chopra Jonas | €200,000 + 1-Year LVMH Mentorship |
| Savoir-Faire Prize | Anil Padia (Yoshita 1967) | Nairobi & Paris | Urassaya Sperbund | €200,000 + 1-Year LVMH Mentorship |
3. Meet the Standout Runners-Up: Lii and Yoshita 1967
Beyond Kegels’ main stage triumph, two extraordinary independent labels took home major honors, reflecting the global diversity of modern streetwear and heritage craft.
Zane Li of Lii (Karl Lagerfeld Prize)
Founded in New York in 2023 following Li’s graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Lii has earned a loyal cult following for clashing athletic wear with elevated elegance. Presented with the Karl Lagerfeld Prize by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Chinese-born designer Zane Li spoke openly about the multi-hyphenate reality of running a brand solo in 2026:
“I feel like being a designer right now is more than just making clothes,” Li reflected. “It’s more than a sewer, it’s more than a pattern maker. You need to be a publicist. A content creator. A graphic designer.”
Anil Padia of Yoshita 1967 (Savoir-Faire Prize)
Making history as the very first Kenyan finalist, Anil Padia took home the Savoir-Faire Prize, presented by Thai star and model Urassaya Sperbund. Based between Nairobi and Paris, Padia founded Yoshita 1967 in 2024 to preserve indigenous artisanal techniques. His intricate collections—packed with crochet, embroidery, and embellishment—are made entirely by hand by female artisans in Kenya.
“In 2026, I think it’s about authenticity,” Padia stated. “There’s so much happening out there, so it’s quite gratifying to do something very personal.”
4. What the Endowments Mean in 2026’s Tough Fashion Economy
Operating an independent fashion brand in 2026 is tougher than ever, with rising production costs and high market saturation. All three award recipients emphasized that their immediate priority for the LVMH financial endowments isn’t flashy expansion, but solidifying team infrastructure and hiring help.
Kegels expressed deep gratitude for her passionate young team, who routinely dedicate endless hours to bring her visions to life. Meanwhile, for Zane Li—who operated as the sole full-time employee at Lii—the €200,000 grant offers the vital opportunity to build a permanent studio staff.
5. The Legacy of the LVMH Prize
Since its inception in 2013, the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers has served as the premier launching pad for visionary creators. Joining the ranks of past alumni like Wales Bonner, Marine Serre, Nensi Dojaka, and Soshi Otsuki, Julie Kegels now stands at the forefront of contemporary style.
By backing designers who pair deep emotional narrative with wearable, high-craft garments, LVMH continues to prove that the future of luxury belongs to independent, authentic voices. We can’t wait to see where Julie Kegels, Zane Li, and Anil Padia take their brands next!
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