Eight of the world’s most promising design talents have secured their place as finalists in the 2025 International Woolmark Prize.
The eight finalists are ACT N°1, Italy; Diotima, USA; Duran Lantink, The Netherlands; Ester Manas, Belgium; LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi, France; Luar Clothing, USA; Meryll Rogge, Belgium; Standing Ground, UK/Ireland.
The International Woolmark Prize was initially launched in Australia to help promote and research locally made wool.
This marks the first edition of the global prize in its new biennial format.
“For more than 60 years, the program has been supporting design talent on behalf of the wool industry,” Woolmark managing director John Roberts said.
“The prize represents Woolmark’s continued social commitment, a sharing of resources, enduring support of local artisans and mission to lead the industry on a journey to nature positive.
“These designers are key players in this transformation, and we’re excited to see how their collections unfold.
“I would personally like to congratulate these finalists and thank the Advisory Council for their expert work in selecting the final eight.”
Each finalist will receive AU$60,000 for the development of a Merino wool collection. They will each develop six Merino wool looks either as part of their Autumn/Winter 2025 collection or as a stand-alone collection. At least one look will be presented exclusively as part of IWP.
The IWP 2025 final event will take place in Milan, where one finalist will be awarded the International Woolmark Prize and receive the increased prize fund of AU$300,000 to invest in the development of their business.
All finalists will also have the opportunity to be stocked at some of the world’s leading retail stores, via the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.
The eight finalists this year join a past alumni including Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino Garavani, Gabriela Hearst and most recently, Lagos Space Programme and A.Roege Hove.
There will also be two industry awards presented at the final event. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation has evolved to be presented to any brand or individual within the fashion industry who has “pushed the boundaries of Merino wool innovation.”
The Supply Chain Award will be presented to an “outstanding member of the supply chain who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing sustainable practices.”
All finalists will be supported by the program’s education and mentoring initiative, the Innovation Academy, which includes mentoring from several industry leaders.
These leaders include fashion editor and stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson; creative director Sozzani Foundation creative director Sara Sozzani Maino; Tilting the Lens founder Sinéad Burke; Saks fashion director Roopal Patel; and Business of Fashion editor-at-large Tim Blanks.
Woolmark also welcomes Sierra Leone-born fashion designer IB Kamara as guest artistic director for the 2025 event.
“I’m honoured to be joining the amazing team at Woolmark for the 2025 Woolmark Prize, bringing fresh creativity as we celebrate these design talents" IB Kamara said. "It's so important that we nurture and inspire the talent who are shaping the future of the fashion industry and I can’t wait to meet the finalists."