SFC [Incubator]’s August Barron Reaches the Prestigious LVMH Prize 2025 Final
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By PAGE Editor
The Swedish Fashion Council (SFC) extends its heartfelt congratulations to August Barron, a standout brand from its SFC [Incubator] program, for reaching the final of the prestigious LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers 2025.
The winner of this year’s prize was revealed on September 3rd in a ceremony at the iconic Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. August Barron, which has been part of the SFC [Incubator] initiative since 2021, was among the elite group of finalists competing for the top honor. This achievement marks the second consecutive year a talent from the SFC [Incubator] program has reached the pinnacle of the competition, following Ellen Hodakova Larsson's historic win of the LVMH Prize in 2024.
Founded by Benjamin Barron (US) and Bror August Vestbø (Norway), the Paris-based label August Barron began as a magazine in 2015 before launching its inaugural collection in 2019. The brand has carved a unique niche by masterfully blending upcycling with a bold, character-driven aesthetic. Their latest SS25 collection, “Uptown Girl,” draws inspiration from archetypes, partly channeling the spirit of Tess McGill from the 1988 film "Working Girl."
August Barron's expressive and daring off-calendar runway shows during Paris Fashion Week have cultivated a dedicated global following. This recognition is further amplified by an ongoing collaboration with top stylist Lotta Volkova, whose influential work spans brands like Vetements, Balenciaga, and Miu Miu.
Beyond the runway, the brand’s foundational passion for publishing continues to thrive. Their publication, All-In Magazine, launched its sold-out 8th edition, “Fan Fiction,” during Paris Fashion Week in June 2025. The limited edition of 700 copies, featuring model Alex Consani, explored themes of fandom and narrative, presented in an innovative format wrapped in a poster and tights from collaborator Swedish Stockings.
A Testament to Strategic Support and Vision
“The LVMH Prize proves that the Swedish Fashion Council is shaping the future of fashion — by identifying, supporting, and elevating the most visionary designers of our time,” said a spokesperson for the SFC. “August Barron has been a crucial part in the growth and recognition of the incubator.”
The SFC [Incubator] program is designed to exemplify a new era of fashion by providing emerging talents with comprehensive business coaching, sales strategy, and PR support through a 360-degree perspective. This support has been instrumental in helping August Barron build recognition with global retailers like Dover Street Market and 10 Corso Como, secure high-profile collaborations such as their SS26 collection with GUESS U.S.A., and gain a celebrity following that includes Lily-Rose Depp, Charli XCX, Rihanna, and Addison Rae.
The brand will next present its SS25 collection in an off-calendar show on October 2nd during Paris Fashion Week. Following the show, the collection will be presented in the SFC Fashion [X] Showroom, hosting its seventh season from October 3rd to 6th as part of the official schedule. They will be joined in the showroom by fellow incubator alum and previous LVMH Prize winner, HODAKOVA.
About the Swedish Fashion Council
The Swedish Fashion Council works to educate, innovate, and promote the Swedish fashion industry to become globally leading. Through the SFC [Incubator], it has represented some of the most exciting emerging brands, showcasing the new era of fashion on a global level. Its recent successes with HODAKOVA and August Barron underscore its role as a vital launchpad for the next generation of design talent.
About the LVMH Prize
Driven by a “passion for creativity,” the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers was launched in 2013. This patronage embodies the commitment of the LVMH Group and its Houses to support the young designers who will be tomorrow’s rising stars. The prize rewards designers selected for their exceptional talent and creativity, providing them with mentorship and an endowment to enable their emergence onto the global stage.
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