Alexis Mabille reveals the 9 finalists of the 'Mercedes-Benz Stars' prize

By

Dominique Muret

Translated by
Nicola Mira

Published
Jun 28, 2016

The German car manufacturer, a sponsor of international fashion weeks, has introduced its very first young designers competition, the 'Mercedes-Benz Stars' prize. Nine finalists have been selected, seven of them French.

French designer Alexis Mabille, who was chosen as jury president by Mercedes-Benz, had initially drawn a longlist of 30 designers, who were asked to "imagine three looks sublimating automotive luxury as embodied by Mercedes-Benz."

In the second phase, the nine finalists have been tasked with producing one of their looks.

Seven finalists hail from France: Charlie Le Mindu, a hairstyling specialist, Carolina Ritzler, Céline Méteil, Axelle Migé, designer for Coppélia Pique, Guillaume Michel, who heads the Iris Cantabri fashion label, Lou Manais, Léa Sebban and Jerry Jouno, founders of JOUR/NÉ, and furrier Quentin Véron. The other two finalists are Liselore Frowijn from Holland and David Ferreira from Portugal.
 
"I was very happy to realise that imagination is still held in high regard among young French designers, and I am proud to showcase them in this competition, which will be a surprise for many," commented Alexis Mabille in a press release.
 
On 4th October, on the occasion of the Paris womenswear fashion week (for Spring/Summer 2017), the nine finalists' work will be unveiled at a venue which is still kept under wraps.

At the event, the jury will announce the name of the winner of the 'Mercedes-Benz Stars Prize 2016', who will receive a €15,000 cash prize and also enjoy long-term support by Mercedes-Benz.