Celebrating an outstanding contribution by a trade partner, this year’s Supply Chain Award at the International Woolmark Prize was presented to Netherlands-based Knitwear Lab.

A research and knowledge hub for innovative, design- driven and sustainable knitwear solutions, Knitwear Lab was recognised for its contribution to the International Woolmark Prize and for giving access to technology and R&D in flat-bed knitting to emerging brands in a way that is specific to their needs.

Standout developments from Knitwear Lab, include innovative 100% Merino wool fabrics developed with winner Saul Nash - such as a compression wool hybrid jersey/airtex mesh knit or a double-faced jersey with integrated mesh holes - offering high stretch, strength and breathability. These breakthrough fabrics allowed Saul Nash to bring his vision to life. Knitwear Lab also further developed its relationship with finalist Ahluwalia, exploring her concept of Nollywood through innovative knitwear true to the Ahluwalia brand.

On 26 April UK based Saul Nash was announced the winner of the 2022 International Woolmark Prize at a special event held in London. MMUSOMAXWELL is also celebrating after being awarded the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation. The winners each receive AU$200,000 and AU$100,000 respectively as well ongoing support from the industry and Woolmark Prize retail partners.

An expert jury including Ben Gorham, Carine Roitfeld, Edward Enninful OBE, Ibrahim Kamara, Marc Newson CBE, Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, Naomi Campbell, Pieter Mulier, Riccardo Tisci, Shaway Yeh, Sinéad Burke and Tim Blanks selected the winners. The announcement was hosted by Nick Grimshaw and was also attended by Jourdan Dunn, Pixie Geldof, Susie Lau and Erin O’Connor.

“The International Woolmark Prize is the jewel in our crown,” explains The Woolmark Company Managing Director John Roberts. “It connects our Australian woolgrowers with the global fashion and textiles industry and in turn highlights the beauty, versatility, and modernity of Australian wool. We're proud of the relationships fostered between our seven finalists, prestigious judging panel and supply chain network who have mentored these designers on their Woolmark Prize journey and hope these connections continue in the future.”

The Woolmark Company is the global authority on wool. Through our extensive network of relationships spanning the international textile and fashion industries, we highlight Australian wool’s position as the world’s premium, sustainable fibre that is optimal for circular, traceable products. The Woolmark logo is one of the world’s most recognised and respected brands, providing assurance of the highest quality, and representing pioneering excellence and innovation from farm through to finished product.

The Woolmark Company is a subsidiary of Australian Wool Innovation, a not-for-profit enterprise that conducts research, development and marketing along the worldwide supply chain for Australian wool on behalf of about 60,000 woolgrowers that help fund the company.

www.woolmark.com

www.knitwearlab.nl