2026 marks a new chapter in the evolution of the Hyères Festival, which remains the cradle of creative avant-garde movements where fashion and photography converge. The 41st edition is scheduled for October 15 to 18, 2026.
Three women will head the festival jury
This year, three women, three international creatives, three jury presidents have agreed to share their perspectives on the new artistic scene, respectively in fashion, photography, and accessories: Chemena Kamali (creative director of Chloé), Camille Vivier (photographer), and Cecilie Bahnsen (founder of the Cecilie Bahnsen house).
Under the leadership of its new executive director, Hugo Lucchino, accompanied by its new president, Valérie Duport, the art center’s team has envisioned a new artistic direction led by Magalie Guérin, who is collaborating with Nataniel N.M. Robert for fashion, Rebecca Cuglietta for photography, and Florence Tétier for accessories. The young finalists of the three competitions, also supported by the Festival’s partners, benefit from attentive and personalized mentorship that will enable them to realize their potential and develop their projects.
The Festival retains the core elements that define its unique character: group exhibitions by the finalists, fashion shows, solo exhibitions by the previous year’s winners, workshops on exceptional craftsmanship, and conferences dedicated to the challenges facing the fashion and photography industry. This new edition thus places the discovery of and engagement with young talent at the heart of the program.
President of the Fashion Jury of the Hyères Festival 2026: Chemena Kamali
Born in Germany in 1981, Chemena Kamali graduated with a Master of Arts in Fashion from Central Saint Martins University of the Arts in London under the mentorship of Professor Louise Wilson. With over two decades of experience, the German designer’s connection to Chloé spans much of her career, having joined the Maison during two defining periods. Kamali later held the position of women’s ready-to-wear design director at Saint Laurent before she returned to Chloé as creative director in October 2023.
Finalists in the fashion competition
Brais Albor Rodriguez (Spain), Sofia Castellon (Mexique - USA), Yui Chen (China) Loïs Cousin (France), Rachel Luurssen (Netherlands), Jennifer Milleder (Austria), Farnia Salim (Iran), Dieter Vlasich Obermann (Mexico - Germany), Matil Vanlint (Belgium), Xiao Xu (China).
President of the Jury Accessoires du Festival d'Hyères 2026: Cecilie Bahnsen
Cecilie Bahnsen, established in 2015 in Copenhagen, is a luxury ready-to-wear brand that blends Scandinavian minimalism with couture-level craftsmanship, creating ethereal yet contemporary silhouettes that resonate globally. With over 125 prestigious stockists worldwide, the brand has achieved impressive global growth. The brand has cultivated a dedicated global community of followers drawn to its distinctive blend of delicacy and craftsmanship, helping cement its presence as a leader in modern luxury. Cecilie’s achievements have garnered industry recognition; in 2023, she was included in the prestigious BOF 500 list as one of the fashion industry’s most influential voices. This recognition follows several prestigious accolades, including Cecilie’s nomination for the esteemed LVMH Prize and her receipt of the Magasin du Nord Fashion Prize.
Finalists in the accessories competition
Matteo Artuso (Italy), Daniel Cheruzel (France), Manon Fontaine (France), Matthieu Gautier (France), Jade Gautiez (France), Yoo Hwajung (South Korea), Juliette Pasquier (France), Alizee Quitman (France), PawełRobuta (Poland), Sassa Ann van Wyk (Austria).
President of the Photographic Jury of the Festival d'Hyères 2026: Camille Vivier
Camille Vivier is a French photographer based in Paris. After studying at the Grenoble School of Fine Arts and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, she devoted herself entirely to photography and began working in both the art and fashion worlds. In 1998, she received the photography prize at the 12th Hyères Festival. In 2002, she was awarded the Villa Medici international fellowship. She has collaborated with brands such as Versace, Dior, Hermès, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Loewe, JW Anderson, Balenciaga, Burberry, McQueen, Martine Rose, Magliano… and magazines. Her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and institutions abroad as well as in France, including the CAPC Bordeaux, the Galerie Für moderne fotografie (Berlin), the Galerie Kamel Mennour (Paris), Stuart Shave/Modern Art (London), at the “Rencontres de la photographie d’Arles,” Unseen Fair (Amsterdam), and Paris Photo, the MEP. She has also published several personal books.
Finalists in the photographic competition
Honglin Cai (China), Xueling Chen (China), Yun Ki Ng (Hong Kong), Zacharie Lewertoff (Switzerland), Motoki Nakatani (Japan), Julien Rahmani (France), Sidonie Ronfard (France), Valeria Sarto (Italy - USA).
Festival d'Hyères
October 15 - 18, 2026
Villa Noailles, Hyères
Photo: Chemena Kamali at the debut of Chloé during the Fall/Winter 2024 fashion show @ Pascal Le Segretain
