Woolmark Prize Judges Announced

The judging panel for the British Isles regional final of the International Woolmark Prize has been announced this morning.

Vogue deputy editor Emily Sheffield; GQeditor Dylan Jones; designer Roksanda Ilincic; Topman creative director Gordon Richardson; group fashion buying director of Harvey Nichols, Anita Barr; men's style director of Matchesfashion.com Simon Chilvers; and fashion and buying director of Boutique 1 Group Bridget Cosgrave make up the seven-strong panel.

"Our esteemed judging panels and mentors will no doubt provide expert advice to each of the nominees which is invaluable at this stage of their careers," said managing director of The Woolmark Company Stuart McCullough this morning. "The continued support from industry heavyweights, governing bodies and the world's most influential retailers cements the importance of the International Woolmark Prize on the world stage."

The judges will decide which designers will go through to the global final for the menswear and womenswear categories in the regional final which takes place on July 5. One menswear and one womenswear finalist will be selected and will receive a AU $50,000 financial contribution towards their next collection, as well as the opportunity to compete in the international finals which will take place in early 2017. The final winner will be awarded a further AU $100,000 and the opportunity to have their collections stocked in boutiques around the world.

"Creativity has always been one of Britain's greatest exports and this year's Woolmark prize will give us another opportunity to celebrate new talent," said Sheffield today. "For the winners, it will be a chance to gain global recognition and financial support, crucial when building a stable business in a tough competitive industry. I will be looking for a designer who has already developed a strong identity to their label, whose viewpoint on the world and their interpretation of that in their collections makes you feel excited and inspired. For me, it is also important they have a realistic overview of the challenges they will face growing their brand and how they will overcome those challenges."

Last year saw Suket Dhir and Teatum Jones scoop the menswear and womenswear prizes respectively, while previous recipients famously include Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent in Paris in 1954, the year after the prize was created.