Wool takes over fashion

The International Woolmark Prize is a prestigious award recognising young designers’ talents and designs that include wool in them.

The prize includes a respectable $100,000 AUD sponsorship and the winner’s Merino Wool Collections will be retailed in the best department stores across the world such as Harvey Nichols in the UK and Bergdorf Goodman in the USA. The prize has a 60-year history and in the 1950s, winners included Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. The Woolmark Prize helped launch both of their careers and was a stepping-stone for them in becoming the fashion legends that they now are.

A host of international fashion icons will be taking part in the event such as Victoria Beckham, Diana von Furstenberg and Donatella Versace to name a few. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg believes that, “wool is noble, it warms you, reassures you and can be transformed in so many ways. It welcomes creativity.”

Nominees were entered by fashion industry professionals and have been whittled down to six entrants representing Europe, USA, Canada, China, Australia, Japan and India.

Nominees are required to sketch, design, and manufacture a capsule collection representing sculptural and different aspects of wool. The prize and event is dedicated to encouraging designers to use wool in the fashion world and make them so that they can be retailed. Being able to use distinctive techniques, without ruining the wool, while blending them appropriately with other materials is a craft that the winner should be able to master effortlessly.

Stuart McCullough, CEO of Australian Wool Innovation says that the award “reaffirms the deep connection the Woolmark holds within the global fashion industry.”

The event is taking is taking place on the 10^th February, supported by the British Fashion Council, and will also be participating in London Fashion Week.

Leyla Nguyen
Photos: Courtesy of International Woolmark Prize

Click here for a video to find out more about the award.