FASHION

INTERNATIONAL WOOLMARK PRIZE 2023 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

By Roisin Breen

Eight of the world’s most promising emerging design talents have been selected from hundreds of applications for the 2023 International Woolmark Prize. The prize is a manifestation of more than sixty years of supporting emerging talent in fashion by the Australian wool industry. The Woolmark company itself is a not-for-profit organization, which unites wool manufacturers in Australia, and the Woolmark seal of approval has become synonymous with sustainability and traceability in the industry.

The eight finalists will each develop six Merino wool looks as part of their Autumns/Winter 2023 collection, or a standalone IWP2023 capsule collection which is to highlight the versatility, innovative nature and eco-credentials of Merino wool.

One finalist will be awarded the International Woolmark Prize and receive AU$200,000 to invest in the development of their business. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation will be awarded to another finalist, with the winner receiving AU$100,000. The Woolmark Supply Chain Award will also be presented, celebrating outstanding contribution from a trade partner driving wool supply chain innovation.All finalists will have the opportunity to be stocked at some of the world’s leading stores.

The 2023 International Woolmark Prize finalists are:

A. ROEGE HOVE, Denmark @aroegehove
Bluemarble, France @bluemarbleparis
Lagos Space Programme, Nigeria @lagosspaceprogramme
MARCO RAMBALDI, Italy @marcorambaldi_
MAXXIJ, South Korea @maxxij_official
Paolina Russo, UK @paolina_russo
RHUDE, USA @rhude
ROBYN LYNCH, Ireland @robynlynchireland

This year’s theme is Dialogue in a move by Woolmark to represent an important element in the creative process and act as a letter both to, and for, the next generation.

The finalists will each be supported by the program’s education and mentoring initiative, the Innovation Academy, which includes mentoring from industry leaders, including: Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Global Fashion Editor-at-Large, Vogue, and Stylist; Holli Rogers, Chief Brand Officer, Farfetch; Sara Sozzani Maino, Scouting and Educational Initiatives Advisor Vogue Italia & International Brand Ambassador Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana; Shaway Yeh, Founder YehYehYeh and Group Style Editorial Director Modern Media Group; Sinéad Burke, Educator and Advocate; and Tim Blanks, Editor-at-Large, Business of Fashion.

This year’s International Woolmark Prize finalists join an impressive alumni network includingKarl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino Garavani, Gabriela Hearst, Rahul Mishra, BODE, Matty Bovan and, most recently, Saul Nash.

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