University of Westminster alumnus Paolo Carzana has been shortlisted for the LVMH prize, a prestigious award for young fashion designers.
Paolo Carzana graduated from the Fashion Design BA Honours course in 2018 and made his London Fashion Week debut that same year with his vegan and organically sourced collection The Boy You Stole. The Welsh designer’s work has grabbed the attention of many industry leaders and has been worn by A-listers such as FKA Twigs. Carzana’s collections are centred around organic and antique materials and plant-based dyes. He focuses on creative cutting, ornate details, delicate construction and an earthy palette. He draws inspiration from his Welsh heritage and the importance of the handmade.
Having interned at Versace in Italy during his third year at Westminster, he was recently reunited with Donatella Versace at the Design Museum, where his graduate collection was featured in the exhibition REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion. Paolo’s work was also featured alongside fellow Westminster alumnus Steven Stokey-Daley, who received the LVMH Prize in 2022. The exhibition celebrated the 30th anniversary of the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN programme, which supports new designers. Both alumni have had the opportunity to participate in the scheme.
Professor Andrew Groves said: “Having taught Paolo during his final year at Westminster, it was clear that he had a distinct point of view, exceptional design skills and a thoughtful approach to materials and sustainability. It's fantastic that this perspective is being recognised at the highest levels of the fashion industry.”
LVMH launched the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2013. This award, now in its 11th year, is known for identifying top emerging fashion talent, with previous winners including Simon Porte Jacquemus, Marine Serre, Grace Wales Bonner, Thebe Magugu and Nensi Dojaka. Semi-finalists present their collections in Paris during Fashion Week, where they meet LVMH Prize Experts who select finalists among the candidates. The final is held at the Louis Vuitton Foundation.
Learn more about Fashion courses at the University of Westminster.
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