Los Angeles designer Mike Amiri set up the Amiri Prize in 2021 to help the next generation of fashion-oriented creatives.
After taking a break last year, the award competition returned for 2023 and expanded, opening up to competitors from around the world.
On Tuesday, Amiri announced the nine finalists who will be vying for the award, its $100,000 prize money and a year-long mentorship. The winner will be announced Oct. 23.
The finalists are: Abdel El Tayeb of France; Dorian Rahimzadeh of Iran; Ekwerike Chukwuma of Nigeria; Grace Ling, Keith Herron and Maxwell Osborne of the United States, Lukhanyo Midingi of South Africa, and Li Gong and Luke Zhou of China.
Amiri started his career crafting stage pieces for rock ‘n’ roll performers. He established the prize to foster creative artists whose journeys reflect his own unconventional trajectory, establishing a support system outside the often-inaccessible establishment. “We had absolutely nothing. No industry connections, no co-sign, no gimmicks and no backer,” Amiri explained about his challenge starting his brand in 2014. “We just believed in ourselves and knew that if we did good work we couldn’t be ignored. It’s a new world, and the doors are wide open for you and your dreams. The old guard is no longer relevant. I’m proof of this. You could do it as well.”
For the inaugural prize in 2021, Philadelphia-based designer Lou Badger was the winner. The designer stood out for a unique approach to her craft and a clear commitment for addressing the lack of representation and diversity in the sustainable fashion space. “Since the day I won the prize until now, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my creative ideas with more ease and greater intention,” Badger said. “My journey has allowed me to cultivate technical expertise and understand the fashion industry at a higher level.”
Amiri funds the award himself and calls on a jury of experts in the field to choose the recipient with him. This year, that panel includes June Ambrose, creative director and designer for Puma; designer Salehe Bembury; KidSuper founder and creative director Colm Dillane; stylist Law Roach; A-Cold-Wall founder and creative director Samuel Ross; GQ global editorial director Will Welch; Vogue fashion editor at large Gabriella Karefa-Johnson; Lucia Liu, stylist and founder of theBallroom, and Rocco Liu, editorial director of GQ China.
Source: WWD