Must Read: 2023 LVMH Prize Finalists Announced, Ivan Bart Departs IMG as President

Plus, the Department of Labor found top brands were buying clothes from a California 'sweatshop.'

These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Friday.

Luar, Diotima among LVMH Prize finalists
The Committee of Experts of the LVMH Prize has selected nine finalists, who will present their designs to the jury on June 7 at the Louis Vuitton Foundation. The finalists are: Aaron Esh (UK), Bettter (Ukraine), Burc Akyol (France), Diotima (Jamaica), Luar (U.S.), Magliano (Italy), Paolina Russo (Canada/France), Quira (Italy) and Setchu (Japan). The were narrowed down from 22 finalists, whom Fashionista spoke with during Paris Fashion Week. In a statement, LVMH executive Delphine Arnault said, "Cultural diversity, celebration of traditional crafts and creative audacity define this selection. [...] Their expertise, their creativity, their uniqueness and their commitment have truly impressed me." {Fashionista inbox}

Ivan Bart departs IMG as President
Ivan Bart, who served as the president of IMG Models for over 10 years, has left the position. The role consisted of guiding the careers of models such as Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen and Tyra Banks, as well as overseeing New York Fashion Week. Bart will stay at the company in an advisory role going forward. {Business of Fashion}

Department of Labor found top brands were buying clothes from a California 'sweatshop'
After randomly investigating 50 clothing companies in Southern California, the Department of Labor found that more than 80% were breaking one or more federal labor laws. Some workers were reportedly paid less than $2 an hour for making clothes for Nordstrom and other well-known brands. Ruben Rosalez, who is part of the department's wage and hour division, said in a statement, "Many people shopping for clothes in stores and online are likely unaware that the 'Made in the USA' merchandise they're buying was, in fact, made by people earning far less than the US law requires." {Business Insider}

Eloquii launches new swim collection with Gabi Fresh
Influencer Gabi Fresh has partnered with Eloquii on exclusive swimwear capsule including 23 different swimsuits and coverups in sizes 14-32, designed to be worn in and out of the water. "I'm grateful that I get to continue to make an impact [...] by offering my community amazing, fashion-forward options," said Fresh in a statement. Gabi Fresh x Eloquii is available to shop now at Eloquii.com/GabiFreshxEloquii. A second collection will be released in late April. {Fashionista inbox}

Snap Inc. launches new AR service for virtual clothing-try-on
Snap Inc., the developer behind Snapchat, has unveiled ARES, which stands for Augmented Reality Enterprise Services. The program's debut offering, Shopping Suite, will allow consumers to try on clothing and accessories virtually, receive sizing recommendations and more. {WWD/paywalled}

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