Canadian wunderkind designer Vejas Kruszewski wins special LVMH fashion prize

Though Canadian designerVejasKruszewskididn't score the top prize, the talented19 year-old definitely didn't leave empty-handed from the LVMH Prize ceremony in Paris Thursday.

The jury of the fledgling, but high-profile fashion honour recognized the Canadian's "exceptional talent" with a special prize that includesa grant of 150,000(approx. $218,000 Cdn.) and a year-long mentorship with Frenchfashion and luxury goods conglomerate Louis Vuitton Mot Hennessy.

Jurors, including top fashion names such as Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs, praised Kruszewski'stalent and noted how the"youngest of this season distinguished himself with a mature style and independent spirit."

Originally from Montreal, Kurszewski is now based in Toronto, where the wunderkindcreates his eponymous Vejas line. His designs areknown for avant-garde cuts,street-style flair,unconventional details and gender-neutral aesthetic.

Meanwhile, the main LVMH Prize was awarded toGrace Wales Bonner, theBritish designerof Wales Bonner.

Shereceivesa grant of 300,000(approx. $431,000 Cdn)and a year-long mentorship with the LVMH group. The experience will provide top-leveltechnical and financial advice, as well as access to the group's production and distribution expertise and networks.

Launched in late2013, the LVMH Prize spotlights young fashion talents around the globe. It is open to designers under the age of 40 who have released at least two women's or men's ready-to-wear collections.

This year, the thirdedition of the prize, saw young designersfrom more than 50 countries compete. ActressLaSeydoux, known for her roles in SpectreandBlue is the Warmest Colour, was on hand to announce thewinners in Paris on Thursday.