November 19, 2024 |
It’s that time of year again! The International Woolmark Prize has just announced the eight upcoming designers who have been named as its 2025 finalists. Selected for their commitment to sustainability and innovation, each finalist will receive AU$60,000 to develop a collection using Merino wool – which Woolmark holds the global authority on – supported by Woolmark’s Innovation Academy. Comprised of industry experts such as editor and stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Saks’ Fashion Director Roopal Patel and fashion journalism staple Tim Blanks, the academy will provide support throughout the collection’s development.
Spanning six distinct looks, the pieces should showcase ingenuity when it comes to developing wool products. The winner will then receive and additional AU$300,000 to further develop their business, alongside the opportunity to be stocked in leading global retailers. Other awards up for grabs include the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation, which recognises exceptional Merino wool innovation and the Supply Chain Award which honours leadership in sustainable supply chain practices.
This year’s iteration also marks the first edition of the prize’s new biennial format and will welcome Ib Kamara as the Guest Artistic Director for the finale of the 2025 event. “I’m honoured to be joining the amazing team at Woolmark for the 2025 Woolmark Prize, bringing fresh creativity as we celebrate these design talents,” says Kamara. “It’s so important that we nurture and inspire the talent who are shaping the future of the fashion industry and I can’t wait to meet the finalists.”
See the full list of nominees for the International Woolmark Prize 2025 (listed in alphabetical order) is below:
Photography courtesy of Woolmark.
