Duran Lantink Wins The 2025 International Woolmark Prize
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2 weeks ago
The shortlist is in
The International Woolmark Prize is back for 2025 – this time with a new biennial format and a larger prize pot than ever. But who took home the top gong this year?
2025 International Woolmark Prize: The Results
Last night it was announced that Dutch designer Duran Lantink was named winner of the 2025 International Woolmark Prize. Beating out seven other finalists to the winning title, Lantink combined his practice of fusing preloved, deadstock and sustainable materials with traditional knitting techniques to truly showcase the modern design applications of Merino wool. Featuring 3D reconstructed knitwear, historical Dutch knitting techniques and recycled army sweaters, the designer’s garments impressed the judges and allowed him to bag the event’s top prize.
‘We are in a moment when we need to feel better,’ said Woolmark Prize chair Donatella Versace. ‘Duran makes us feel that. His collection is a wonderful combination of respect for the fibre and a joyful sense of the future.’
Speaking on his win, the designer added: ‘I feel very honoured to receive this award and I’m just so happy because we worked so hard with so many collaborators and it’s just really great to get this recognition.’
Duran Lantink’s work for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize
Other awards presented on the evening included the 2025 Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation and the 2025 Supple Chain Award. Alaïa Creative Director Pieter Mulier snapped up the former for his innovative and continued use of Merino wool, with the brand’s Summer Fall 2024 One Yarn collection entirely crafted from one single yarn. The collection was developed in the space of a year in close collaboration with the Maison’s long-standing textile and knitwear suppliers, and saw the material developed beyond classic tailoring fabrics and knits – creating fluffed up Merino wool fur, densely packed chenille, delicate organza and blended nylon outwear.
‘I am so honoured and happy to receive the inaugural Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation,’ said Mulier. ‘At Alaïa, wool plays an important role in the search for innovation and modernity. In my Summer Fall 2024 collection, one single yarn was used as a full concept, pushing how the richness of wool can be translated in all shapes, sizes, textures and forms. Thank you so much, this truly means the world to us.’
Duran Lantink presenting his work to the judging panel
Südwolle Group was presented the 2025 Supple Chain Award for its commitment and dedication to product development, meeting customer needs and supporting the wool industry. The judges were particularly impressed with Südwolle Group’s innovative work in the luxury space and developing high-performance wool yarns.
‘We feel very honoured and proud; this prize confirms that our mindset of viewing the supply chain holistically and collaboratively is seen and appreciated,’ commented Südwolle Group Chief Sales Officer, Stéphane Thouvay. ‘As ambassadors for wool we actively promote this fantastic fibre—through our global yarn production network, and our strong partnerships with manufacturers, brands and designers across diverse industries.’
A key part of Südwolle Group’s success is its ‘creative voice’, the Südwebs Innovation Hub. ‘More than a think tank, the hub connects ideas, people, and technologies and gives easy-access to ready-to-wear samples—allowing users to touch and experience the real outcome,’ explained Thouvay. ‘Beyond inspiring, innovating, and collaborating, we also offer full transparency about all supply chain partners involved.’
The awards ceremony was held at Palazzo del Ghiaccio in Milan, with an immersive showroom featuring the designers’ work. The 2025 International Woolmark Prize was artistically directed by IB Kamara, and was ‘centred around the sun, celebrating the heart of nature and life and symbolising energy, renewal, and connection to the world around us.’
Who Were The Finalists?
Named back in November 2024, the 2025 International Woolmark Prize finalists included:
- ACT N°1, Italy
- Diotima, USA
- Duran Lantink, The Netherlands
- Ester Manas, Belgium
- LGN LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI, France
- LUAR, USA
- Meryll Rogge, Belgium
- Standing Ground, UK/Ireland
The eight designers who made the shortlist were chosen from a pool of hundreds of applicants, who were keen to showcase their skills in innovative and sustainable fashion practices. From here, the finalists went on to compete against one another, developing six Merino wool looks either as part of their Autumns/Winter 2025 collection or as a stand-alone collection that ‘highlight[ed] the innate versatility, innovative nature and eco-credentials of Merino wool.’
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‘This year’s cohort is a diverse group of creatives—which is so important for the future of fashion and the industry in general,’ said IB Kamara, who acted as Guest Artistic Director for the 2025 event. ‘Being from different countries, backgrounds, and disciplines means that we will have a very global take on fashion. I hope they will bring their own culture and perspectives to this year’s prize and allow us a glimpse into their worlds.
‘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,’ he added. ‘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.’
Who Was On The Judging Panel?
Chaired by Donatella Versace, the judging panel for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize comprised some of the fashion industry’s leading tastemakers: IB Kamara, Law Roach, Alessandro Sartorti, Tim Blanks, Sinéad Burke, Honey Dijon, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Simone Marchetti, Roopal Patel and Danielle Goldberg.
The 2025 International Woolmark Prize judging panel
What Do The Finalists Get?
All finalists received AU$60,000 for the development of a Merino wool collection and were supported by the Innovation Academy, with mentoring from industry leaders, including:
- Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Fashion Editor & Stylist
- Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director, Sozzani Foundation
- International New Talent and Brands Ambassador, Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana
- Sinéad Burke, Educate, Advocate and Founder of Tilting the Lens
- Roopal Patel, SVP, Fashion Director, Saks
- Tim Blanks, Editor-at-Large, Business of Fashion
They were also given the opportunity to be stocked at some of the world’s leading stores, via the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.
The winning finalist, Duran Lantink, was also awarded an increased prize fund of AU$300,000 to invest in the development of their business.
What Is The International Woolmark Prize?
The International Woolmark Prize aims to showcase the versatility of Australian Merino wool through a global network of talented designers. This year marks the first to use the new biennial format. ‘For more than 60 years, the program has been supporting design talent on behalf of wool industry,’ says Woolmark Managing Director John Roberts. ‘The prize represents Woolmark’s continued social commitment, a sharing of resources, enduring support of local artisans and mission to lead the industry on a journey to nature positive. These designers are key players in this transformation, and we’re excited to see how their collections unfold. I would personally like to congratulate these finalists and thank the Advisory Council for their expert work in selecting the final eight.’
Two other industry awards will also be presented at the final event: the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation, for brands and individuals that have pushed the boundaries of Merino wool innovation, and the Supply Chain Award, for an ‘outstanding member of the supply chain who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and and innovation in advancing sustainable practices.’
Images courtesy of Woolmark
