Translated by
Nicola Mira
Published
June 3, 2026
On June 3, andam revealed the names of the 11 finalists in the 37th edition of the French emerging designer competition. The shortlist, which includes both new entries and regulars of the Parisian fashion scene, was drawn up by a 31-member jury chaired by Alexandre Mattiussi. The prize winners will be announced on July 1, picked on the basis of their creative and business potential. Last year, Guillaume Houzé, president of Andam, and Nathalie Dufourthe managing director, awarded the main prize to designer Meryll Rogge.
The contenders for this year’s Andam main prize and special prize are Egonlab with its tailored fashion and Zomer with its colorful looks, both finalists in 2025, as well as three new names: Fidan Novruzova with her history-inspired fashion, Marie Adam-Leenaerdt with her rectangular skirts, and Pauline Dujancourt with her witty see-through looks. The Pierre Bergé The prize shortlist includes Anthony Calydon with his iconic warped hoods; Boyarovskaya, who looks to be drawn straight from The Matrix; and Maitrepierre with its maximalist outfits. Finally, vying for the fashion accessories prize are Bonastre with its leather handbags, jewelery designer Mara Paris, and footwear label Phileo, all of them finalists in 2025.
Shortlistees guaranteed support
“Chairing the 37th edition of Andam has a special resonance for me. Thirteen years ago, winning the prize transformed my life and gave decisive impetus to my career. Andam embodies something rare and precious: a genuine engagement to foster young designers and give them the freedom to dream in France. I’m immensely proud to be able in my turn to support the new generation,” said Mattiussi, founder and creative director of the Amy Paris label, and mentor and jury president of the Andam 2026 main prize, cited in a press release.
Reaching the Andam final is a victory in itself, since the competition’s partners are giving the finalists comprehensive assistance for collection design and business development. The 11 shortlisted designers will be given priority access by Balenciaga to stock fabric and raw materials, to develop and produce their looks. PR agency Karla Otto will support the finalists for a year, advising them on brand positioning, media visibility and growth strategies, notably by showcasing their collections at open events. leather goods label Longchamp will allow the finalists freedom to use its dormant stock of leather and fabrics for their projects, as part of the Longchamp Re-Play programme, launched in 2019.
Meanwhile, OTB group will stage a workshop in Paris for the finalists, teaching them sustainable fashion practices, and Swarovski will offer them priority access to its showroom, where they will be able to discover the countless creative opportunities afforded by the use of crystal in collections. Finally, zalando will offer a strategic mentorship program to help the finalists grow their labels long-term in Europe, tapping Zalando’s expertise in e-tail, consumer behavior analytics, and the operational scaling of projects. The Andam’s French finalists will also benefit from priority access to the IFM’s Accelerator programme, and the financial know-how of IFCIC.
Dufour, founder and managing director of Andam, thanked the competition’s partners and the finalists. “I would like to commend the growing commitment of our sponsors, both institutional and private ones, from France and abroad, which enables us to expand our scope and offer these young labels financial support as well as an invaluable global support programme, and this in all the areas of expertise that are key for structuring and developing their companies,” she said.
“I would also like to thank for their efforts the members of the 2026 jury, who selected 11 high-calibre finalists whose varied, exciting creative offerings we are looking forward to appreciate on July 1,” added Dufour. The winners will be presented with the Swarovski trophy designed by Mattiussi, president of the 2026 jury and winner of the Andam main prize in 2013.
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