European designers have led the charge as finalists for the International Woolmark Prize 2023.
The eight finalists are A. Roege Hove, Denmark; Bluemarble, France; Lagos Space Programme, Nigeria; Marco Rambaldi, Italy; MAXXIJ, South Korea; Paolina Russo, UK; RHUDE, USA; and Robyn Lynch, Ireland.
The Woolmark Company MD John Roberts said the group of finalists represents a new generation of fashion design for the future.
“As the fashion and textile industry continues to evolve amongst an ever-changing landscape, we hope that our support throughout the International Woolmark Prize will inspire and propel design and business strategies of our eight finalists,” Roberts said. “I would personally like to congratulate these finalists on behalf of the Australian woolgrowers and also thank the Advisory Council for helping decide our final eight.”
Each 2023 finalist will receive an initial AU$60,000 for the development of six Merino wool looks as part of their Autumn/Winter 2023 collection, or a standalone IWP2023 capsule collection that highlights the benefits of Merino wool.
One finalist will be awarded the International Woolmark Prize and receive AU$200,000 to invest in the development of their business.
The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation will be awarded to another finalist, with the winner receiving AU$100,000.
The Woolmark Supply Chain Award will also be presented, honouring outstanding contribution from a trade partner driving wool supply chain innovation.
All finalists will have the opportunity to be stocked at stores across the globe via the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.
This year’s International Woolmark Prize finalists join past finalists Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino Garavani, Gabriela Hearst, Rahul Mishra, BODE, Matty Bovan and, most recently, Saul Nash.
The finalists will also be supported by the program’s education and mentoring initiative, the Innovation Academy.
The mentoring initiative includes industry leaders such as: Holli Rogers, chief brand officer at Farfetch; Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, global fashion editor-at-large for Vogue and a stylist; Sara Sozzani Maino, deputy director for Vogue Italia and Scouting International Brand Ambassador for Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana; Sinéad Burke, educator and advocate; Shaway Yeh, founder of YehYehYeh and Group style editorial director at Modern Media Group; and Tim Blanks, editor-at-large for Business of Fashion.
The finalists are provided with 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.
The program boasts a global network of over 50 international supply chain partners including BYBORRE, D-House, Knitwear Lab, Laxton’s, Studio Eva x Carola and studioe.
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.
The theme for the 2023 International Woolmark Prize was titled ‘Dialogue’, which Woolmark said represents an important element in the creative process and for the future.