In the glittering world of high fashion, where creativity and cultural heritage collide, three Arab designers are making history. For the 2025 LVMH Prize—a prestigious award that has launched the careers of icons like Marine Serre and Thebe Magugu—the spotlight shines brightly onYasmin Mansour (Egypt), Cynthia Merhej (Lebanon), and Ahmed Hassan (Saudi Arabia). Their inclusion marks a pivotal moment for Middle Eastern representation in global fashion, blending tradition with avant-garde innovation.
Yasmin Mansour: Sculpting Femininity Through Fabric
Hailing from Egypt but based in Qatar, Yasmin Mansour is no stranger to accolades. Fresh off her 2024 Fashion Trust Arabia Prize win, her eponymous label merges architectural precision with poetic storytelling. Her designs—think sculptural pleats, intricate embroidery, and bold silhouettes—are wearable art, each piece a tribute to craftsmanship and sustainability.
Mansour’s work transcends trends. Her debut collection, Sierra, featured capes inspired by desert landscapes, proving that luxury womenswear can be both deeply cultural and universally resonant. As she prepares to showcase her latest collection in Paris, her mission remains clear: “Fashion isn’t just clothing—it’s a narrative of empowerment”.
Ahmed Hassan: Redefining Saudi Menswear with KML
Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Hassan, co-founder of KML, is rewriting the rules of menswear. Launched in 2022, his brand is a masterclass in minimalist grandeur, blending razor-sharp tailoring with influences from the Gulf’s sartorial history. Hassan’s research-driven approach explores how clothing shapes identity, resulting in collections that are as intellectual as they are stylish.
KML gained global attention when celebrity stylistLaw Roachwore one of their designs at Elie Saab’s Riyadh showcase. For Hassan, this moment was symbolic:“We’re not just creating clothes—we’re reclaiming the narrative of Arab masculinity”.
Cynthia Merhej: Beirut’s Avant-Garde Visionary
Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej of Renaissance Renaissance is a force of reinvention. A third-generation couturier, she melds her Beirut roots with London-trained sophistication, crafting womenswear that challenges conventions. Her designs juxtapose sharp modern lines with nostalgic, almost theatrical details—think corsets reimagined as power symbols.
Merhej, a returning LVMH contender (2021), also made waves designing costumes for the film Bonjour Tristesse. Her brand is a love letter to Lebanese artisanship, collaborating with local ateliers to ensure every piece tells a story. “Fashion should provoke thought,” she says—and her work does just that.
A Triumph for Arab Creativity
As these three prepare for the LVMH semifinals in Paris (March 5–6, 2025), their presence signals a shift: the Middle East is no longer a spectator but a driving force in fashion’s future. Whether Mansour’s artistry, Hassan’s precision, or Merhej’s rebellion wins the jury’s favor, one thing is certain—their voices are here to stay.
The LVMH Prize winners will be announced later this year, with the top award including €400,000 and mentorship from LVMH’s elite. For now, the world watches as these designers redefine what it means to be “global” in fashion.
