Sydney-based designer Christopher Esber won grand prize at the French fashion industry’s 2024 Andam awards.
Esber, who is known for his sleek, summery eveningwear, will receive a grant of €300,000 to develop his brand as well as a year of mentoring from Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello.
Emeric Tchatchoua’s 3.Paradis won the runner-up Special Prize, while the Pierre Bergé award for creative fashion concepts went to Edmond Luu’s Pièce Unique. Amsterdam-based Maedam won the accessories prize, while Pauline Weinmann’s Alternative Innovation brand won the innovation award.
The Andam Prize, France’s biggest and most established award programme for fashion, provides key industry recognition for emerging designers. The prize is backed by major fashion groups like LVMH and Kering as well as France’s culture and economy ministries. Winners are expected to maintain an economic activity in France following the prize, potentially by showing during Paris’ fashion week or operating an atelier, store or office.The awards were announced at a party in the Palais Royal gardens on the closing evening of Paris Couture Week, presented by a jury chaired by Vaccarello.
Previous winners in the programme’s 35-year history include a star-studded line-up of fashion figures, ranging from industry legends like Martin Margiela (who won the first edition in 1989) and A.P.C.’s Jean Touitou, or more recent runway successes like Marine Serre and Y/Project.
Learn more:
France’s Andam Fashion Prize Doubles Grants for Accessories, Innovation
Chloé and Lacoste will mentor this year’s fashion prizes, while Hermès will tutor the accessories winner.
