The International Woolmark Prize, which aims to help rising designers shape the future of fashion through innovation and sustainability, has selected eight finalists for the now biennial fashion competition. ACT N°1 from Italy, Duran Lantink from the Netherlands, Ester Manas and Meryll Rogge from Belgium, London-based Standing Ground, French menswear brand LGN LOUIS GABRIE NOUCHI, and two US brands, Diotima and Luar, are among the finalists, who were selected from both Europe and the US.
According to John Roberts, managing director of Woolmark, the prize represents Woolmark’s continued social commitment, sharing of resources, enduring support of local artisans and mission to lead the industry on a journey to nature positivity. The IWP has a long history of promoting sustainable fashion. It has featured collections that explore sustainability. For example, the BODE collection explores the relationship between alternative education, agricultural communities, and sustainability. The collection includes overcoats and suits made from reclaimed equine show blankets and merino wool jacquard knits inspired by stitch samples from a retired knitting factory.
IB Kamara has been appointed as the Guest Artistic Director for the 2025 programme. “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. 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.” stated IB Kamara as a part of the programme.
The Woolmark Prize is based on a dedication to promote sustainability in the fashion sector. In recent years, the fashion industry has received increased criticism for its environmental impact, and the Woolmark Prize helps to address these concerns by highlighting the potential of natural, biodegradable fibers such as Merino wool. The reward encourages designers to experiment with sustainable manufacturing techniques and materials, challenging them to create solutions that decrease waste, conserve resources, and limit environmental impact.
Each finalist will get A$60,000 to produce a Merino wool line, as well as support from the program’s education and mentoring initiative, the Innovation Academy, which includes industry experts. The finalists will each develop six Merino wool looks either as part of their AW25 collection or as a standalone collection.
The International Woolmark Prize will be given to one finalist, who will also get the A$300,000 prize grant, which they can use to advance their business. The closing event will also include the presentation of two industry awards. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation will be given to any brand or individual in the fashion industry who has pushed the boundaries of Merino wool innovation, while the Supply Chain Award will go to an outstanding member of the supply chain who exhibited exceptional leadership and innovation in promoting sustainable practices.
