Rahul Mishra has been announced the winner of the 2013/2014 International Woolmark Prize (IWP), during the final awards event held at the Triennale Museum, Milan.

A judging panel including Frida Giannini, Franca Sozzani, Tim Blanks, Colette Garnsey, Angelica Cheung, Alexa Chung and representatives from the global IWP retail partners, selected Rahul Mishra - representing India and the Middle East - as the winner.

“I feel like this is a dream and this is giving me new hopes for my future career. This award will change the perception of global fashion in regards to Indian fashion and this is all because of wool – an amazing fibre, the fibre of possibilities,” the winning designer commented.

Knowledge and versatility

After a search, reaching across 20 countries and involving over 48 designers, five talents have reached the final round: ffiXXed (Asia), Christopher Esber (Australia), Sibling (Europe), Rahul Mishra (India and Middle East) and Altuzarra (USA).

“For me, Rahul has won because of his ability to apply his knowledge of embroideries through wool, one of the most versatile fibres with originality in an unexpected way,” explained Frida Giannini, Gucci's Creative Director.

Alongside prestigious recognition, the winner receives a financial contribution of AU$100,000 and the opportunity to be stocked in the most important retailers around the globe including Harvey Nichols, Saks Fifth Avenue, 10 Corso Como, Joyce, David Jones, Colette and mytheresa.com.

Knitwear capsule collection

Christian Wijnants, the winner of the 2012/13 International Woolmark Prize, launched his knitwear capsule collection at a VIP event at the London’s  Harvey Nichols in September last year.

According to Harvey Nichols’s fashion director Paula Reed, winning the International Woolmark Prize in February 2013 made Wijnants one of the world’s designers ‘to look out for’.

Delicate and beautiful

Rahul Mishra's Merino wool collection, that won the prestigious award, was based on craftsmanship and his knowledge of techniques and embroidery.

 “His interpretation was so delicate and beautiful,” said Alexa Chung. “I was really moved by Rahul's story. I believe he is well deserving of this award.”

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