The 2025 International Woolmark Prize Finalists Have Just Been Announced
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1 month 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 are the finalists? These are the designers in the running for one of fashion’s most prestigious awards.
Who Are The 2025 International Woolmark Prize Finalists?
Announced earlier this morning, the 2025 International Woolmark Prize has named its finalists:
- 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 will go 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 ‘highlights 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 will act 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.’
What Do The Finalists Get?
All finalists will receive AU$60,000 for the development of a Merino wool collection and will be supported by the Innovation Academy, which includes 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 will also all have the opportunity to be stocked at some of the world’s leading stores, via the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.
The winning finalist will also be awarded the International Woolmark Prize, becoming the recipient of 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
