Lucas Emilio Brunner, a 26-year-old, Swiss-Chilean designer, has claimed this year’s grand prize at the Hyères International Festival of Fashion and Photography.
Brunner, a graduate of École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Visuels de La Cambre in Brussels, impressed the jury with his menswear collection, titled “À Bout de Souffle.” The prize includes a €20,000 ($23,300) grant from Chanel for a collaborative project, an allocation of raw materials and a one-year mentorship from Sterling International.
The festival marked its 40th edition this year, despite facing funding headwinds and the departure of its founder, Jean-Pierre Blanc. The event operated in a condensed three-day format and drew an international crowd of participants and spectators.
Jean-Pierre Blanc Steps Down From Hyères Festival
The founder exits after four decades building Villa Noailles into a global incubator for fashion talent, amid ongoing financial challenges.
