WOOLMARK PRIZE MAKES CHANGES FOR 2024 COMPETITION

by John Russel Jones Apr 16, 2024


The International Woolmark Prize is making changes, enhancing its focus on nurturing talent to positively shape the future of fashion. Initially launched in 1953, the award program aims to empower emerging designers through education, financial investment, and industry support to harness the potential of wool within their collections. Now, the award extends to a two-year program, providing designers with more time to focus on innovation, encouraging a test, trial, learn, and improve design philosophy, and the prize winner will receive an increased prize fund of AU$300,000 (about US$195,000) providing them with the financial support needed to bring their ideas to life. Additionally, judging criteria will have an enhanced focus on sustainability and innovation. For the first time, the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation will be expanded to an industry award, which will be presented to any brand within the fashion industry that has pushed the boundaries of Merino wool innovation. This next edition of the prize will commence with the opening of applications today.

PARIS, FRANCE: Amalie Roege Hove wins Karl Lagerfeld Award, Adeju Thompson wins the International Woolmark Prize Award, May 15, 2023 (Photo by Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images) AT TOP: LONDON, ENGLAND: Saul Nash (2L), winner of the International Woolmark Prize, and Mmuso Potsane and Maxwell Boko of MmusoMaxwell, winners of the Karl Lagerfeld Award at the 2022 International Woolmark prize final on April 26, 2022.. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images).

“The International Woolmark Prize is committed to supporting young talent. To do this effectively, designers need more financial support, better access to sustainable materials, and time to innovate with the latest technology. Our revised program aligns more closely with the industry’s evolving needs,” says John Roberts, Managing Director of Woolmark.

Designers from across the globe who meet the criteria are invited to apply for the prize until June 30th, 2024, after which an Advisory Council of industry experts will work side-by-side with Woolmark to select finalists who prioritize and champion inclusivity, innovation, and fresh perspectives.

The Advisory Council is made up of a diverse group of global industry figures, including (but not limited to) Gabriela Hearst, fashion editor and stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Tim Blanks, editor-at-large of Business of Fashion, and Sara Sozzani Maino, creative director of Fondazione Sozzani.

View the application criteria and apply now here.