PARIS — Designer Burç Akyol, model Jeanne Cadieu and “fashion agitator” Lyas will take their seats alongside jury president Alexandre Mattiussi for this year’s ANDAM fashion prize, as the competition assembles a panel of cultural voices, designers and executives to evaluate emerging talent.
This year’s jury also includes Inès de la Fressange; creative directors Lolita Jacobs and Jean-Baptiste Talbourdet-Napoleone; visual artist Théo Mercier; former fashion and luxury consultant Jean-Jacques Picart; Ami Paris chief executive officer Nicolas Santi-Weil, and writer and critic Sophie Fontanel.
The selection reflects what organizers describe as a deliberate effort to reflect the fast-changing and increasingly connected nature of the global fashion industry. The guest jurors will sit alongside permanent members composed of executives from most sponsors.
“This year’s jury reflects a fashion industry where major international groups, digital platforms, retailers and creative independents are in constant dialogue,” said Nathalie Dufour, founder and managing director of ANDAM.
“As president of the jury and 2026 Grand Prize mentor, Alexandre Mattiussi appointed the guest jurors and ensured we had a sharp balance of designers, business leaders, image experts, retailers and digital actors,” she added.
Founded in 1989 by Dufour with the support of the French Ministry of Culture and DEFI, the organization has long served as a launchpad for emerging designers, offering financial backing alongside mentorship and industry access. Galeries Lafayette chief image and innovation officer Guillaume Houzé serves as ANDAM’s president.
As mentor, Mattiussi will guide the Grand Prize and Special Prize winners over the course of a year, advising on both creative direction and business strategy.
Other winners will also receive targeted mentorship. Frédéric Maus, director general of trade fair organizer WSN, will support the Pierre Bergé Prize recipient, while Lacoste creative director Pelagia Kolotouros will mentor the accessories winner. The Innovation Prize, focused on sustainable technology, will be overseen by Yann Gozlan, founder and president of Paris-based start-up incubator Creative Valley.
Beyond design, candidates are expected to demonstrate commercial and operational viability.
“We ask the jury to look at every project through three lenses: the power of the creative vision, the clarity of the bran and the solidity of the business plan,” Dufour said.
“Our private partners push designers on structure, margins and distribution, while the creative members defend singular voices — the winners are those who manage to hold both,” she added.
That dual focus has become increasingly important as independent designers navigate a fragmented and competitive landscape shaped by global luxury groups, digital platforms and shifting consumer behavior.
“This jury brings three complementary perspectives: business leaders who understand models, margins and international growth; creative directors and designers who protect the strength of the vision and the product, and transversal voices who look at cultural relevance and long-term desirability,” Dufour said.
“By sitting emerging designers in front of decision makers…we acknowledge that young creation is now central to global strategy, not a side story,” she added.
The 2026 edition marks the arrival of new corporate partners, including PR agency Karla Otto and online retailer Zalando, highlighting the increasing importance of both communications and digital distribution.
“As a European platform with a strong presence in France and an innovative designer experience, we want to play an active role in supporting emerging talent here,” said Zalando designer general manager Lena-Sophie Röper.
“At Zalando, we understand all the complexities and opportunities of the online fashion landscape and what it takes to succeed in it. We look forward to supporting the ANDAM winner with dedicated mentorship focused on navigating a fast-changing, digital-first environment,” she added.
“Supporting this organization has been a meaningful part of our journey for many years, as we share a passion for discovering new talent and guiding them in their communication,” added Karla Otto chief executive officer Alexander Werz. “This approach has always been at the heart of Karla Otto’s DNA. I’m excited to begin this new chapter and to meet the talented designers shaping the future of fashion.”
Five companies will receive a share of the overall 700,000-euro endowment, with the winner of the grand prize receiving a 300,000-euro purse, and the runner-up 100,000 euros. Other awardees will include an accessories label and an ecological-focused tech start-up in the fashion sector.
Finalists for 2026 are slated to be revealed at the end of May, and the prize ceremony is scheduled for July 1 at the French Ministry of Culture.
