Pigalle's Stéphane Ashpool was selected as the winner of ANDAM's prestigious Grand Prix Style Award this year, WWD reports.
The award will help Ashpool push Pigalle to new heights as it comes with a prize of 250,000 euro, or $275,723, mentorship from Chanel's president of global fashion, Bruno Pavlovsky, over $10,000 worth of Swarovski crystals, a collaboration with retailer thecorner.com, and guidance on how to grow a brand from MAC Cosmetics.
Ashpool's Spring/Summer 2016 presentation, which featured members of the youth basketball team he coaches, beat out other big-name finalists for the award, such as Umit Benan, Vetements, Andrealage, and Pallas. The winner was selected by 35 jury members, including Haider Ackermann; Pavlovsky; Xavier Romatet, Condé Nast France president; and the model Caroline de Maigret. The panel was swayed by Pigalle's use of bright, vibrant colors as well as the message of positivity in the show.
Ashpool already big plans for his prize money. "I’m going to invest in a proper in-house atelier from which to design, create, communicate, and sell," he said. "What you’d call in the past a maison couture, but with a new flavor."
The award serves as a great launching pad for designers—previous winners include Martin Margiela, Alexandre Mattiussi of AMI, and Jeremy Scott.
Related Stories
Watch This Short Film Starring the Youth Basketball Team Coached by Pigalle Founder Stéphane Ashpool
Watch Pigalle's Spring/Summer 2016 presentation featuring the youth basketball team coached by Stéphane Ashpool.
Go Behind the Designs of Pigalle's Stéphane Ashpool in this Mini Documentary
Pigalle's Stéphane Ashpool discusses the city of Paris, his friends, and his mother.
How Pigalle Is Changing the World by Bridging Streetwear and Basketball Subcultures
Pigalle is much more than a brand to the neighborhood its named after.
