Delphine Arnault and Jennifer Lawrence. “The LVMH Award allows us to understand the essence of current fashion”

2012: Jennifer Lawrence is at the beginning of her brilliant career. Hungry games will make him the face of a whole generation. When Delphine Arnaud meets her, it’s artistic and friendly love at first sight; he appreciates her brilliant talent, but also humor, grace, sincerity. A new Dior ambassador was born. When we meet the duo twelve years later at LVMH’s headquarters on the avenue Montaigne in Paris, the mutual respect between the CEO of Christian Dior Couture and the star. happiness therapy And Don’t look up is inviolable. Despite a busy schedule (Lin Ramsey’s next film is a black comedy), this Oscar-winning Hollywood figure was there to support the semifinals of the eleventh edition of the LVMH Prize.

Initiated by Delphine Arnaud in 2013, the Young Fashion Designers Award honors winners who are selected for their remarkable talent by a jury of LVMH Houses artistic directors. On this occasion, three young fashion school graduates are also distinguished and supported. There were two thousand five hundred candidates for this new edition, and on this day in mid-February last, the number was whittled down to twenty semi-finalists. There are now only eight finalists in the race to win one of the three prizes expected on September 10. A prestigious jury, made up of designers from all the group’s houses, including Phoebe Philo and Pharrell Williams (Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director), will be responsible for deciding between them.

Open to designers from around the world aged 18 to 40 who have designed at least two ready-to-wear collections for women, men or unisex, the competition allows the winner of the LVMH Prize and the Karl Lagerfeld Prize (Special Jury Prize). develop his creativity and his brand through talent and valuable mentorship, but the opportunities to stand out for the first time in 2024 increase; and its sustainable approach. “The responsibility of the leader of luxury is to renew creativity, highlighting the future of our profession,” emphasizes Delphine Arnaud before starting a dialogue with the preferred ambassador of this semi-final, Jennifer Lawrence, who supports the virtuoso energy of the candidates.

Madame Figaro. – What memory do you have of your first date?
Jennifer Lawrence. –Delphine was going to have a baby. She was nine months pregnant and so gorgeous. He looked like Jackie Kennedy.

Delphine Arno. – Jennifer was 22 when I first met her. She was very mature for her age and had already established herself as a great actress. He won an Oscar the following year happiness therapy. And at the age of 30, she has already had an incredible career as an actress and producer. She perfectly embodies the Dior woman. She is beautiful, generous, brave, funny, confident and so inspiring.

JL – However, I was so scared on our first date. It was my first time in Paris, it was the first time I had the opportunity to sleep in such a beautiful hotel room… I remember it like yesterday. I even came with my mother.

THAT. –Indeed, I remember that. Didn’t your parents run a kids summer camp?

JL – Yes, in Kentucky. Now they are retired, but my brother took over.

The LVMH Prize was created to support young fashion designers. Why is bringing in new voices important to you? –It is our responsibility to identify young talents and allow them to grow. This is the eleventh edition of this award, which is really close to my heart and of which I am particularly proud. It captures the essence of current fashion worn by younger generations. Two years ago, for example, there was a very strong presence of sportswear. Today, I’m noticing a big urban influence, but also a return to the sleek elegant wardrobe. Young creators, who are very aware of global issues, also have a very responsible and inclusive approach.

This is the eleventh edition of this award, which is really close to my heart and of which I am particularly proud

Delphine Arno

JL – I have always admired these initiatives, which represent the vibrancy and diversity of creativity in the world. I became a producer myself to allow new profiles to emerge and be expressed, especially among women. There has been such an imbalance for decades that the balance needs to be redressed.

THAT –We also ensured the diversity of profiles among our candidates from different countries: Mexico, Togo, Moldova, Japan, China, United States… For those selected, apart from the opportunity to present their work, they have the opportunity to meet exceptional personalities. like Jennifer or Anna Wintour, but also buyers, journalists, models… I can’t help but think about Karl Lagerfeld, whom I miss a lot; he has been a member of the jury since the award’s inception, and beyond being a source of inspiration for young designers, he was very generous to them.

How do these young designers push the boundaries of creativity?
THAT –They find a way to reinterpret the past and at the same time grasp the spirit of the time and the problems of the time. Observing, reinventing, innovating, they create the future of fashion and find their way.

JL – For example, one candidate had a great idea to recycle an item of clothing that clutters your wardrobe and that you no longer like. There is a feature on her website that allows you to suggest an alternative way to wear this garment to give it another life.

LVMH created the Expert Award this year. Does promoting craftsmanship also mean ensuring that these professions are attracted and retained?
THAT-The LVMH Expert Award is designed to celebrate craftsmanship excellence, innovation in terms of creation and production and for more sustainable fashion. Innovation is part of Dior’s DNA, but the creation marks its time even more when it also draws on heritage, know-how and heritage. However, in order not to see the disappearance of the ancestral traditions that enrich and distinguish our clothes or our creations in jewelry or leather goods, it is important to transfer skills and encourage possible professions, promoting the excellence of artisans.

JL – It’s even more important to highlight the shadow artisans because we don’t create alone. Moreover, the concept of transmission is very familiar to me. I have learned so much from the artists who came before me. I think of Jodie Foster, for example, who was a real mentor. He also started working in the film industry at a very young age. As he directed me inside The Beaver Complex, when I was only 19, his advice was invaluable. I admire his simplicity, his views on the profession, the fact that he always prioritized his family. I hope to be like him one day.

What are the values ​​that unite the two of you?
THAT-Ethics and strong work engagement.

JL – Dolphin is a born leader, an inspirational character. She was a mother before me and could also give me advice on motherhood.

What does your style say about your women?
THAT –My style evolves over time. I now feel that I know what suits my state of mind and my body. As the CEO of Dior, I have the opportunity every day to wear the creations of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the artistic director of the women’s collections. I choose elegant pieces in which I will feel comfortable and confident.

JL –Since I’m constantly on the go, I wear clothes that I’m comfortable with. When it comes to red carpets, I’m lucky enough to be escorted. The elegance of Dior has been working wonders for a long time.

Does your style evolve with the trends?
JL – Yes, more or less consciously. For example, returning to superposition makes me happy. I am a girl from the early 2000s. i will be able to relive my youth and wear long shirts under my t-shirts again.

Can clothing be a feminist manifesto?
JL –Great creators have always followed this approach, liberating the female body and rejecting gender assignments.

THAT-All of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s work revolves around this idea of ​​strong women, feminism. This is a fundamental value for him, as is working with local artisans. When we have exhibitions abroad, he makes it a point to integrate the country’s craftsmanship into his creations.

Any advice you would like to share with the young talent of the LVMH Prize?
THAT-Fashion is not a sprint, but a marathon. Take your time and develop your uniqueness by working on the product.

JL –Do not give up: I lived on next to nothing when I started in a dilapidated apartment. It wasn’t easy every day, but I’m glad I stuck with it to do a job I’m passionate about today.