The International Woolmark Prize crosses borders and cultures by seeking outstanding and emerging talent from around the world, aligning the support of emerging designers with the evolution of emerging countries. It is an award for the next generation, shifting the focus from glamour to true talent as a way to highlight the beauty of the Merino wool fibre at the hands of the future leaders of the industry.
After a global search spanning twelve months, reaching across sixteen countries and involving over seventy designers, The Woolmark Company are proud to present the final six designers who will compete at London Fashion Week at 8.30pm on 16 February 2013:
-Dion Lee - Australia
-Ban Xiao Xue - China
-Christian Wijnants - Belgium
-Pankaj and Nidhi - India
-DRESSEDUNDRESSED - Japan
-Sophie Theallet - USA
Images of the ‘first looks’ from the International Woolmark Prize finalists were photographed in London last week. The photographs shot by Hugh Stewart and styled by Shona Heath, feature model Sarah Birkett who has been involved in the IWP project since the regional events in 2012.
The full collections will be unveiled at the International Woolmark Prize awards show to be held at the recently renovated ME Hotel in The Strand. The six designers from around the globe are competing for the ultimate industry recognition, $105k (USD) and the opportunity to be stocked in the most important boutiques around the globe including Harvey Nichols – London, Bergdorf Goodman – NY, 10 Corso Como – Milan, Joyce – China, David Jones – Sydney and Eickhoff Königsallee – Germany
The final award event is held during London Fashion Week with thanks to the support from UK nominating body, the British Fashion Council. The final judging panel is made up of nine of the most important and influential identities in fashion, each one pillars of the global fashion industry.
-Diane Von Furstenberg - Co-Chairman and Founder, Diane von Furstenberg Studio LP
-Donatella Versace - Creative Director and Vice President of Gianni Versace S.p.A.
-Franca Sozzani - Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Italia, L’Uomo Vogue Italia and Vogue.it. Editorial Director of Condé Nast Italia. “Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion 4 Development” for the UN
-Tim Blanks - Editor-at-Large Style.com
-Victoria Beckham
-Andrew Keith - President of JOYCE and Lane Crawford
-Carla Sozzani - Owner 10 Corso Como
-Paula Reed - Creative Director Harvey Nichols
-Stefan Asbrand Eickhoff - Owner Eickhoff Königsallee
“The International Woolmark Prize has gained extraordinary momentum over the past twelve months generating support and interest across the globe,” explained Stuart McCullough, CEO of Australian Wool Innovation, owners of The Woolmark Company. “The final event in February will showcase the future of fashion and we are very proud that Merino wool will hold a firm place in that exciting and prosperous future.”
The Woolmark Company would like to recognise the valuable contribution from the following partners:
Nominating bodies
•British Fashion Council
•China Fashion Association
•Council of Fashion Designers America
•Czech Grand Design
•Fashion Design Council of India
•Flanders Fashion Institute
•Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association
•IMG Fashion Australia
• Japan Fashion Week Organization
• Korea Fashion Association
•The Lock Group
•Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Madrid
•MTD, Turkey
•NOT JUST A LABEL
•Pakistan Fashion Design Council
•Premsela, the Netherlands Institute for Design and Fashion
• Stark Foundation
• UAE: Dubai Fashion Week
•Vogue Australia
• Vogue China
•Vogue France
•Vogue Italia
Retail partners
•Bergdorf Goodman
•David Jones
• Eickhoff Königsallee
• Harvey Nichols
• Joyce
• 10 Corso Como
About The Woolmark Company:
The Woolmark is the world’s best known textile fibre brand, established in 1964.The Woolmark brand is owned by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), a not-for-profit company owned by over 27,000 woolgrowers. AWI’s vision is to be a significant contributor to a vibrant, stable and profitable wool industry providing the world with the best natural fibre. The company works throughout the global supply chain – from woolgrowers through to retailers.
Source:
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=120324