The 2026 ANDAM Awards ceremony at the Palais Royal gardens embraced the importance of emotion in fashion, with the jury emphasizing creativity over scalability.
Jury Emphasizes Emotion
Jean-Jacques Picart, a jury member since the inception of the ANDAM Awards, remarked on the evolution of the prize. "ANDAM has become rich; it’s a really big prize," he said, highlighting the importance of creativity in Paris fashion. Picart noted, "Paris fashion has always been all about emotion," contrasting it with the business-savvy focus of New York and Milan.
Grand Prize Winner: Marie-Adam Leenaerdt
Marie-Adam Leenaerdt, awarded the Grand Prize for her eponymous brand, expressed readiness for the next chapter. "This is the first day of the rest of my life," she stated, emphasizing her refined chic aesthetic.
Pauline Dujancourt, another winner, was emotional about the support for her brand focused on hand-craftsmanship and women's financial independence in Peru. "I’m thinking of all the women in the world who knit and sew... For me, that’s worth celebrating," she said.
Craftsmanship and Human Sensibility
Anthony Calydon, who began beading with his mother, shared his journey into fashion. His Paris-made ruffle-hemmed hoodies and accessories have been in the market for over two years.
Nathalie Dufour, ANDAM’s founder and director, highlighted the jury's focus on human skills, stating, "It’s important not to get swept up in things that are just neatly packaged and uniform."
Ami's Alexander Mattiussi on Jury Leadership
Alexander Mattiussi of Ami, jury president, underscored the supportive nature of the ANDAM Awards. "We’re giving the winners this purse, and they get to use it as they see fit," he noted, sharing his experience of life-changing support from the prize.
Mattiussi credited Picart for steering the jury towards heartfelt decisions, stating, "Jean-Jacques pointed out that in a world built on algorithms, likes, and buzz, that we should all vote from the heart."
Source: https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/a-paris-fete-for-the-2026-andam-winners-this-is-the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-my-life
