Amiri Prize Reveal Their 2023 Finalists
Inclusivity is the overarching goal that unites us all in the fashion industry, and it is truly heartening to witness the AMIRI Prize’s commitment to shining a spotlight on the unique voices that are actively shaping our future.
‘The AMIRI Prize is incredibly personal and important to me. Providing a platform for new talent is a core value of the brand and stems from my own dedication and unconventional path. The winner of the Prize will receive a year-long mentorship with myself and access to our infrastructure and resources, empowering them to follow their vision and scale their brand,’ says Mike Amiri, the founder and creative director of this award, who conceived it with the purpose of showcasing diverse voices that are propelling the fashion world into bright future. The prize's central mission is to establish a support system that reaches beyond the often exclusive confines of the fashion establishment, promoting diversity within the industry.
This year marked a significant milestone as the prize welcomed international applicants, expanding its reach to encompass talent from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. The finalists of this prestigious award include: Abdel El Tayeb of El Tayeb Nation, Dorian Who‘s eponymous label Dorian Who, Ekwerike Chukwuma’s WUMAN, Grace Ling of Grace Ling, Keith Herron’s brand Advisry, Li Gong’s 8ON8, Lukhanyo Mdingi‘s eponymous label Lukhanyo Mdingi, Luke Zhou & Maike Huang’s LUKEWARMPEOPLE and Maxwell Osborne’s label AnOnlyChild.
One standout among the finalists is Dorian Who, a native of Tehran, whose journey through fashion serves as a powerful tool for freedom and self-expression. Growing up in Iran, she faced constraints in respect to expressing her identity through fashion. However, after relocating to Canada, Who boldly launched her own brand. Her work gracefully navigates the duality of contrasting perspectives, blending sportswear with her traditional Iranian roots and seamlessly intertwining feminine and masculine energies, resulting in avant-garde silhouettes.
Another finalist, Abdel El Tayeb, skilfully melds Sudanese craftsmanship with European tailoring to create a fusion of couture and comfort. Through his work, he strives to manifest his rich multicultural identity. Earlier this year, he designed a series of blankets for Bottega Veneta's Air Afrique magazine which celebrates Afro-diasporic art.
Li Gong, the founder of 8ON8, is a Central Saint Martins graduate who received a scholarship during his Master's studies. His unique approach combines sportswear and utilitarian style with elements of men's tailoring, all brought together with fresh pattern cutting techniques. His collaboration with Asics since 2000 further showcases versatility and innovation of his designs.
Some finalists are relatively new to the fashion scene, like the brand LUKEWARMPEOPLE, which was launched in 2019. Their deconstructive unisex designs playfully challenge societal norms and provide an ironic take on our relationships with fashion. Another emerging talent is Ekwerike Chukwuma from Nigeria, the creative force behind WUMAN. Chukwuma's work beautifully merges African art and his cultural heritage into garments that not only reflect but are also inspired by the cross-disciplinary influences of African architecture, art, and poetry.
Each of the finalists explores unique sides of fashion from around the world, bringing fresh and exciting energy to the industry. The jury will review the finalists’ work and announce the 2023 laureate who will receive a sum of 100,000 USD and a year-long mentorship with Mike Amiri as part of the reward.