Satoshi Kuwata, founder of the Setchu fashion brand, scooped the 2023 LVMH Prize for Young Designers, one of the fashion industry’s most prestigious awards.
The LVMH prize, now in its 10th year, is seen as a gateway to a successful career in the fashion industry. Prizes were announced June 7.
The award event is hosted by LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate. More than 2,400 aspiring designers from 15 countries vied for the chance to be named as this year’s LVMH Prize recipient.
Kuwata, 39, received a cash prize of 400,000 euros (62 million yen, $435,200).
After a stint as a sales clerk at a Beams clothing shop, the native of Kyoto Prefecture went to Britain in 2004 to work at Huntsman, a long-established tailor located in bespoke Savile Row in the capital, and study at London’s Central Saint Martins college, which is part of the University of the Arts.
The designer also accumulated experience at Gareth Pugh and Givenchy.
He then moved to Milan in Italy, where he founded his brand, and launched his first collection for the 2021 spring/summer season.
His genderless brand unites elements of Japanese and Western style, including designs inspired by the art of origami.
“My dream is to make my brand remembered by history,” Kuwata said. “I want to keep making designs that can transcend borders and blend cultures.”