In the womenswear category rising stars Helen Lawrence, Le Kilt, Roberts Wood and Sadie Williams have been shortlisted, while in the menswear group Liam Hodges, Matthew Miller and Phoebe English Man have made the final cut. The designers will each receive AU$2000 to help them proceed to the second round where they will compete with finalists from Dubai, London, Milan, New York, Seoul and Sydney to win the regional prize of AU$70,000 in their respective categories. They will then move forward to the global final that will see them compete for the prestigious winner's title and final prize of AU$200,000.
The prize money has dramatically increased from last year's prize, which last year saw the first round of regional finalists be awarded AU$50,000 and the overall winner taking home AU$100,000. The organisation has also introduced the Innovation Award, which "has been created to celebrate the most unique and creative fabric or yarn development from a finalist", according to a press release. The winner of this award will be granted AU$100,000 and the same commercial opportunities afforded to the main prize winners.
“Due to increasing pressures on young designers, we have restructured our program spend with a greater focus on the design talent and our partners,” said The Woolmark Company’s managing director Stuart McCullough.
“Each year, I am truly amazed with what our finalists present to the judges. Just when you may think you’ve seen it all, along comes an exciting new fabric or innovative new yarn, and that’s why we have established the Innovation Award. It not only keeps competition fierce but it also allows for our prestigious trade partners to get global recognition and ultimately increases the market share of wool.”
Earlier this year designers Gabriella Hearst and Cottweiler took home the final prizes for womenswear and menswear respectively, having been deemed outstanding by the judging panel which included Victoria Beckham, Natalie Massenet and Jefferson Hack.
The prize money has dramatically increased from last year's prize, which last year saw the first round of regional finalists be awarded AU$50,000 and the overall winner taking home AU$100,000. The organisation has also introduced the Innovation Award, which "has been created to celebrate the most unique and creative fabric or yarn development from a finalist", according to a press release. The winner of this award will be granted AU$100,000 and the same commercial opportunities afforded to the main prize winners.
“Each year, I am truly amazed with what our finalists present to the judges. Just when you may think you’ve seen it all, along comes an exciting new fabric or innovative new yarn, and that’s why we have established the Innovation Award. It not only keeps competition fierce but it also allows for our prestigious trade partners to get global recognition and ultimately increases the market share of wool.”
Earlier this year designers Gabriella Hearst and Cottweiler took home the final prizes for womenswear and menswear respectively, having been deemed outstanding by the judging panel which included Victoria Beckham, Natalie Massenet and Jefferson Hack.
No comments:
Post a Comment