Duran Lantink from the Netherlands has been announced as the winner of the 2025 International Woolmark Prize. Pieter Mulier and Südwolle Group were also named winners of the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation and the Supply Chain Award, respectively, at an event held in Milan. Lantink will receive AU$300,000 to invest in the development of his business, along with ongoing support from the industry and Woolmark Prize retail partners.

An expert panel of judges, chaired by Donatella Versace and including IB Kamara, Law Roach, Alessandro Sartori, Tim Blanks, Sinéad Burke, Honey Dijon, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Simone Marchetti, Roopal Patel, and Danielle Goldberg, selected the winner of the International Woolmark Prize. Donatella Versace commented: “We are in a moment when we need to feel better. Duran makes us feel that. His collection is a wonderful combination of respect for the fibre and a joyful sense of the future.”

For over 70 years, the International Woolmark Prize has celebrated the beauty and versatility of Merino wool while equipping finalists with tools to drive sustainable growth through innovation and industry mentorship across all areas of business. The 2025 competition, artistically directed by IB Kamara, centred around the sun, symbolising energy, renewal, and a connection to nature. The event was held at Palazzo del Ghiaccio and featured an award ceremony hosted by Italian actress Mariasole Pollio, followed by a performance by Azekel.

Lantink, a fashion designer based between Amsterdam and Paris, founded his namesake label in 2019. Known for his ever-evolving, conscious collections, he impressed the judges by using Merino wool to reinterpret traditional knitting techniques in a modern way. His approach incorporated 3D-reconstructed knitwear, historical Dutch knitting techniques, and recycled army sweaters combined with innovative woven check patterns, merging sustainability with craftsmanship.

The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation has evolved to recognise any brand or individual pushing the boundaries of Merino wool innovation. Pieter Mulier, the Alaïa Creative Director, received the inaugural award in this new format for his continuous innovative use of Merino wool. Mulier's Summer Fall 2024 One Yarn collection was crafted entirely from a single Merino wool yarn, developed over a year in close collaboration with Alaïa’s long-standing textile and knitwear suppliers. This process transformed wool into unexpected textures such as Merino wool fur, densely packed chenille, and woven organza. Mulier said: "At Alaïa, wool plays an important role in the search for innovation and modernity. This award means the world to us."

Südwolle Group received the Supply Chain Award for its commitment to innovation, product development, and support for the wool industry. Recognised for its contributions to both fashion-forward luxury and high-performance wool yarns, the company emphasises sustainability. Chief Sales Officer Stéphane Thouvay said: "We feel very honoured and proud. This prize confirms that our holistic and collaborative approach to the supply chain is seen and appreciated. As ambassadors for wool, we promote this fantastic fibre through our global yarn production network and partnerships with manufacturers, brands, and designers."

Südwolle Group's Südwebs Innovation Hub serves as a platform for exploring wool’s full potential, connecting designers, brands, and manufacturers. The hub provides ready-to-wear samples, offering full transparency about supply chain partners involved in the production process.

Woolmark acknowledges the support of this year’s Innovation Academy partners, including 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 programme also boasts a global network of over 50 progressive international supply chain and retail partners, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Browns, Lane Crawford, MODES, McMullen, Boon The Shop, MyTheresa, Net-A-Porter, MR PORTER, and Selfridges.

www.woolmarkprize.com