Eight of the world’s most promising design talents have secured their place as finalists in the 2025 International Woolmark Prize – the original and most prestigious fashion award. Selected from hundreds of applicants, these designers will compete to shape the future of fashion through innovation and sustainability.

The 2025 International Woolmark Prize finalists are:

- 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

Woolmark also welcomes IB Kamara as Guest Artistic Director for the 2025 final event. The multi-hyphenate creative is best-known known for his seamless understanding of style, image and the power of pop culture whilst championing inclusivity in fashion.

Serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Dazed and Creative Director for Off-White, Kamara is one of the most exciting and innovative figures in the industry and his artistic direction will support the award in continuing to breakdown borders and barriers.

“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" says IB Kamara. "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."

The Awards

This marks the first edition of the International Woolmark Prize in its 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.”

Each finalist will receive AU$60,000 for the development of a Merino wool collection and will be supported by the program’s robust education and mentoring initiative, the Innovation Academy, which includes mentoring from industry leaders, including: Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Fashion Editor & Stylist; Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director, Sozzani Foundation and 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, and Tim Blanks, Editor-at-Large, Business of Fashion.

The eight finalists will each develop six Merino wool looks either as part of their Autumns/Winter 2025 collection or as a stand-alone collection, which highlights the innate versatility, innovative nature and eco-credentials of Merino wool. At least one look will be presented exclusively as part of IWP - showcasing wool product developments and innovations that pave the way for a more positive future.

One finalist will be awarded the International Woolmark Prize and receive the increased prize fund of AU$300,000 to invest in the development of their business. All finalists will have the opportunity to be stocked at some of the world’s leading stores, via the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.

This year’s International Woolmark Prize finalists join an impressive alumni network including Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino Garavani, Gabriela Hearst, Rahul Mishra, BODE, Saul Nash and most recently, Lagos Space Programme and A.ROEGE HOVE.

There will also be two industry awards presented at the final event. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation has evolved to be presented to any brand or individual within the fashion industry who has pushed the boundaries of Merino wool innovation.

The Supply Chain Award will be presented to an outstanding member of the supply chain who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing sustainable practices.

The Innovation Academy

Finalists are provided with unparalleled mentorship from industry experts as part of the Innovation Academy, including support for product ideation, commercial development, supply chain connections and sustainability strategies to assist in the development of their collections and brands.

Woolmark is pleased to announce this year's Innovation Academy partners: Tilting the Lens, Common Objective, The Mills Fabrica, Gruppo Florence, BYBORRE, D-House, Knitwear Lab, Laxtons, Eva x Carola, studioe, Queen of Raw and Close to Clothes. The program also boasts a global network of over 50 progressive international supply chain partners. The Innovation Academy supports finalists with early-stage investment, product research and development, mentoring, networking and commerce, providing unparalleled insights and support to grow a sustainable business.

www.woolmark.com