THE INTERNATIONAL WOOLMARK PRIZE GOES GLOBAL!
Image: The International Woolmark Company
IMAGE: Tonsure, Europe, Menswear © The International Woolmark Company
The esteemed International Woolmark Prize (IWP) has finally gone global!. Applications to the International Woolmark Prize for 2018/19 are open to every brand worldwide that is able to meet the application criteria and complete the five application stages. The Woolmark Company encourages designers in the early stages of their career, who show promise and dedication in growing a business and who are looking to establish themselves globally to apply.
“The International Woolmark Prize celebrates outstanding fashion talents from around the globe who showcase the beauty and versatility of Merino wool. It is the world’s most prestigious award for rising fashion stars.
First held in 1953 as an initiative of the International Wool Secretariat, the award was won the following year by iconic fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent.
Today, the International Woolmark Prize continues to recognize design excellence using Australian Merino wool. The prize crosses borders and cultures to spotlight emerging fashion talent from hotspots in more than 60 countries before a who’s who of the international fashion industry.
By putting wool in the hands of the world’s leading innovators, the International Woolmark Prize challenges them to achieve greatness in keeping with The Woolmark Company’s tradition of supporting design excellence.
The regional awards will be held in three regions as of 2018/19: Australasia; Europe and the UK; and the Americas, with one menswear and one womenswear regional winner receiving a financial reward of AU$70,000 and granted the opportunity to compete in the global final, traditionally held during key fashion weeks across the world. Both the global menswear and womenswear winners will not only receive a further financial contribution of AU$200,000 but also the chance to have their Merino wool capsule collection commercialized and sold in the world’s top boutiques and department stores through the International Woolmark Prize’s extensive retail partner network.
Equally crucial is the trade partner program that connects designers with the best wool suppliers, and the expert judging panels and insightful mentors who provide guidance along the way.
Through The Woolmark Company’s global network, partnerships are secured with key spinners and weavers to assist designers during the formative stages of their business and ensure a dynamic future for the fashion industry.”
Applications for the 2018 / 19 International Woolmark Prize close on February 28 2018.
IMAGE: TOTON, Womenswear, Asia © International Woolmark Prize