The International Woolmark prize returns at Pitti Uomo

The International Woolmark Prize returns to Florence, with the 2017/18 global final to be held January 9, 2018, on the first day of Pitti Uomo.

Following the success of the 2016/17 global final in Paris, the forthcoming final will once again combine menswear and womenswear into one star-studded event at Stazione Leopolda, with the two global winners announced in front of key industry heavyweights.

Chosen among the 65 most talented emerging designers worldwide, the six menswear finalists and the six womenswear finalists will be judged by an highly esteemed panel made up of prestigious names ofthe fashion industry. The two winners will each receive AU$200,000 to invest in the development of their business and will see their winning collections commercialised through the International Woolmark Prize retail partner network which is made up of some of the world’s top stores.

A new component of this year’s prize will be the newly introduced Innovation Award, with The Woolmark Company reinforcing its commitment to supporting emerging design talent and shining a spotlight on the supply chain partners assisting in developing innovative wool fabric and yarn. The Innovation Award, powered by Fashion Tech Lab, will be awarded to the finalist who demonstrates the most exciting approach to help reduce its social and environmental footprint. The inaugural winner of the Innovation Award will be granted AU$100,000 as well as being presented with commercial opportunities.

The 2017/2018 International Woolmark Prize finalists are:
MENSWEAR
Six Lee - Asia
BLAIRARCHIBALD - Australia & New Zealand
Matthew Miller - British Isles
L’Homme Rouge - Europe
Antar-Agni - India, Pakistan and Middle East
DYNE - USA

www.woolmarkprize.com