ANDAM 2026: Why the Finalists Always Try Their Luck Again Out with the Old, In with the Same

The thirty-seventh edition of the National Association for the Development of the Fashion Arts has just revealed its finalists. A scent of déjà vu hangs over this selection, confirming that in the fashion industry, perseverance often proves to be the key to success.

For this edition, the shortlist highlights the work of EgonLab, Fidan Novruzova, Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, Pauline Dujancourt, Zomer, Anthony Calydon, Boyarovskaya, Maitrepierre, Bonastre, Mara Paris, and Phileo. Among them, the brands EgonLab and Zomer particularly stand out since they were already finalists last year. It remains to be seen whether this second attempt will be the charm when the winners are announced on July 1st.

This trajectory mirrors that of past winners. Last year, Belgian designer Meryll Rogge took home the Grand Prix after having already been a finalist in 2024. She had to apply two years in a row to finally receive the prestigious accolade. The scenario was identical for Sarah Levy, winner of the 2025 Accessories Prize, who had also tried her luck unsuccessfully the previous year.

A Prestigious Jury for a Historic Prize Pool

This edition is expanding and taking on a new dimension, notably thanks to a historic total prize pool amounting to 700,000 euros. This sum will be divided among five distinct prizes to provide long-term support for emerging talents in their structural development.

To orchestrate this year's competition, the jury presidency has been entrusted to Alexandre Mattiussi, the founder of AMI Paris. For the designer, who won the contest thirteen years ago, the event feels like a true crowning achievement and brings a comforting sense of coming full circle. In addition to the permanent jury, ten guest members are joining the deliberations this year. Among them are Burç Akyol, winner of last year's Pierre Bergé Prize and an LVMH Prize finalist in 2023, model Jeanne Cadieu, journalist and author Sophie Fontanel, and former supermodel Inès de la Fressange.

Whether it is Alexandre Mattiussi, the founders of EgonLab and Zomer, Meryll Rogge, or Sarah Levy, history proves that everyone always comes back to the ANDAM festival.