Los Angeles designer launches Amiri Prize

The Los Angeles-based designer Mike Amiri has launched a new annual award for American fashion talent and named it the Amiri Prize.

The new award has a first prize of $100,000, which includes a year-long mentorship with Mike Amiri.

Applications opened on Wednesday, March 17 for one month for the award, which is limited to American-based designers. Applicants’ ready-to-wear businesses need to be at least one year old, but not more than three.

Amiri, who founded his own label in 2013, teamed up with Renzo Rosso in 2019, when the owner of Diesel acquired a minority stake in the LA brand via his Italian fashion holding company OTB. Together, they announced a three-year, $200 million investment plan to fuel growth. Since then, Amiri has opened its debut boutique, in LA in October 2020.

“This last year provided a lot of time for me to reflect on many things including the current state of our industry. I wanted to address the current lack of opportunity for creatives from diverse backgrounds. The global crisis we are facing adds another challenge to designers who have been able to make a start but are not established enough to weather the storm,” the designer told FashionNetwork.com.

The inaugural Amiri Prize boasts a knowledgeable jury which includes Rosso; Glenn Martens, the creative director of Diesel; Nikki Ogunnaike, digital director of Harper’s Bazaar; Salehe Bembury; Chris Gibbs; Karla Welch and Mike Amiri himself.

“This is the first time that an independent American luxury brand is launching a prize dedicated to US undiscovered talents. I truly believe there are hidden talents in the USA that can contribute greatly to our industry but are often overlooked. Aside from the financial incentive, the direct mentorship and shared resources the winner will receive are essential for building a platform of success,” Amiri, who is of Persian origin, added.

The finalists will be selected at the end of April, and the winner announced in May. Applications can be made via the website: www.amiri.com/amiriprize.

Los Angeles designer launches Amiri Prize

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