Marie-Adam Leenaerdt Secures Top Honors at the 37th ANDAM Awards
In an evening celebrating innovation and emerging talent in the fashion world, the 37th edition of the ANDAM Awards culminated with Belgian designer Marie-Adam Leenaerdt receiving the coveted Grand Prize. This marks a pivotal moment for Leenaerdt's nascent brand, building on her previous nominations for both the ANDAM and LVMH Prizes. The event also highlighted other deserving talents, including Pauline Dujancourt, Anthony Calydon, and Philéo Landowski, who each received significant accolades and mentorship opportunities. Beyond individual designers, the awards recognized advancements in fashion technology and sustainability, underscoring a commitment to the industry's future.
Marie-Adam Leenaerdt Crowned Grand Prize Winner at Glamorous Palais Royal Ceremony
In a captivating ceremony held at the illustrious gardens of the Palais Royal, the fashion world gathered to witness the announcement of the 37th ANDAM Awards recipients. On this memorable evening, it was Marie-Adam Leenaerdt who emerged victorious, capturing the esteemed ANDAM Grand Prize. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the Belgian creative, making her second appearance as a finalist in this prestigious competition, having also been nominated for the LVMH Prize in the same year her brand was founded. Her remarkable win includes a generous grant of 300,000 euros and an invaluable year-long mentorship with Alexandre Mattiussi, the visionary founder and creative director of Ami Paris, who presided over this year's distinguished jury and was himself an ANDAM laureate in 2013.
The Special Prize was bestowed upon Pauline Dujancourt, who will also benefit from a year of mentorship under Mattiussi's guidance. The Pierre Bergé Prize was awarded to Anthony Calydon, whose mentorship will be provided by Frédéric Maus, CEO of WSN. Philéo Landowski was honored with the Accessories Prize, securing mentorship from Pelagia Kolotouros, the creative director of Lacoste. Each of these promising designers received a substantial financial award of 100,000 euros to further their creative endeavors.
Further enhancing the support system for ANDAM winners, additional mentorships are facilitated by an array of prominent sponsors, including Bureau Betak, Instagram, Galeries Lafayette, Karla Otto, OTB, WSN, and Première Classe. The production platform Maison des Savoir-Faire et de la Création and the family-owned dye specialist Les Teintures de France also contribute to this comprehensive program. In a forward-looking move, the 2026 ANDAM fashion innovation award, accompanied by 100,000 euros, was presented to the French start-up Alphalyr on May 20th. This recognition celebrates their pioneering AI-powered data analytics platform, designed to optimize supply chain, retail, and e-commerce operations within the fashion sector. Additionally, Pili, a company dedicated to producing bio-based dyes and pigments, notably indigo, as an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical colorants, received a special award for its commitment to sustainability.
The recent ANDAM Awards ceremony has once again underscored the importance of nurturing emerging talent and fostering innovation within the global fashion landscape. The substantial financial backing and expert mentorship provided to the winners offer a crucial launchpad for these designers and companies to not only establish their brands but also to push the boundaries of creativity and sustainability. This annual event serves as a vital platform, connecting nascent visionaries with established industry leaders, ensuring a vibrant and forward-thinking future for fashion. It’s inspiring to see a commitment not just to aesthetic brilliance, but also to technological advancement and environmental responsibility, reflecting the evolving values of the industry and its consumers.
