Alumna shortlisted for the LVMH Prize

Paria Farzaneh, who graduated from Ravensbourne’s BA (Hons) Fashion course in 2016, was shortlisted among 20 others for the LVMH Prize — an annual competition which showcases the best of emerging talent in the fashion industry.

The prize is hosted by the LVMH Group — a multinational company formed in 1987 following the merging of Louis Vuitton with Moët Hennessy. With the first event held in 2013, the LVMH Prize sees 20 shortlisted designers invited to present their work at the LVMH headquarters in Paris to 63 of the fashion industry’s most influential figures. This year, the jury includes Edward Enninful Obe, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue; Glenda Bailey, Editor in Chief of Harper's Bazaar US; and actress and model Naomi Campbell.

Paria was shortlisted from 1,700 candidates for her menswear designs. Taking influence from her Iranian heritage with vibrant prints and textiles, her designs generally focus on sportswear and aim to blur the lines between Western and Middle Eastern culture.

Commenting, Gurmit Matharu, Course Leader, BA (Hons) Fashion said: “It’s been great to see Paria shortlisted for an award as prestigious as the LVMH Prize, putting her work in front of some of the industry’s most revered figures. Having graduated from Ravensbourne in 2016, she has achieved a colossal amount — launching her own brand, creating a Converse range and seeing her designs talked about everywhere from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar. I wish her every success for the future and look forward to seeing her career grow.”

The panel will announce the winner of the competition during a ceremony at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in June. They will receive a grant of €300,000 and technical and financial support to develop their work over a 12 month period.