Lora Sonney Wins Ami x IFM Entrepreneurship Award: ‘A Year of Mentoring and 20,000 Euros in Support
Designer Lora Sonney has won the prestigious Ami x IFM Entrepreneurship Award for her eponymous ready-to-wear brand. As the winner, Sonney will receive a year of mentoring and financial support amounting to 20,000 euros to further develop her business.
In its third edition, the Ami x IFM Entrepreneurship Prize recognized Sonney’s brand from a competitive field. The young designer, under 30, has already achieved notable accolades, including being a finalist in the Hyères competition for young designers and designing a capsule collection for AZ Factory in 2023.
The selection process for the Ami x IFM Prize began at the end of 2023, with around thirty students and entrepreneurs from the IFM’s Fashion Entrepreneurship Center submitting entries. From these, ten projects were shortlisted, comprising six collaborative projects between entrepreneurs and students and four projects led by students alone. Over six months, the ten groups were rigorously challenged by experts on their concept, digital strategy, marketing plan, and business model.
The jury, impressed by Sonney’s vision and execution, decided to award her the top prize. As part of her award, Sonney will receive a year-long mentorship from the jury members who nominated her, alongside substantial financial support.
In addition to the main prize, the jury also awarded a ‘Special Favourite’ prize to the Arntreal brand, designed by Andrea Albrizio. Albrizio will receive financial support worth 10,000 euros to further his project.
This year’s jury comprised notable industry figures, including Alexandre Mattiussi, Nicolas Santi-Weil, Jenke Ahmed Tailly, Laurence Benaïm, Elena Carrettoni, Clara Cornet, Nathanaël Karmitz, Arthur Robert, and Alexander Werz.
The Ami x IFM Entrepreneurship Prize, first awarded in June 2022, is cross-disciplinary and involves a range of courses offered by the Institut Français de la Mode. These include masters and bachelors in Management and Design, as well as entrepreneurs from the IFM Incubator, allowing all students to participate.
Sonney’s win highlights her rising star in the fashion industry and sets the stage for her continued success with the support and guidance from the esteemed members of the jury. The mentorship and financial backing will undoubtedly propel her brand to new heights, further cementing her place as a significant force in ready-to-wear fashion.