The International Woolmark Prize celebrates outstanding fashion talents from around the globe who showcase the beauty and versatility of Australian Merino wool. It is the world's most prestigious award for rising fashion stars.
The Award
Global Final
Global Final
Each year a final event is on the world stage, traditionally held during a key fashion week, connecting the world's best emerging design talent with industry experts and leading retailers.
Innovation academy
Innovation academy
Bringing together an experienced collective of progressive international partners at different stages of the supply chain and manufacturing process, designers are provided with unparalleled mentorship for product ideation, development and the commercial realisation of concepts.
Prizes
Prizes
All finalists selected by the Advisory Council receive a financial contribution for the development of their business and capsule collection. One overall winner will receive AU$200,000 and one designer will receive AU$100,000 for the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation. Finalists also have the opportunity to have their collections stocked in leading retailers and become part of the prestigious Alumni Program.
International retailing
International retailing
The International Woolmark Prize connects the world’s best emerging design talent with the world’s most important boutiques and retailers. This presents designers with the opportunity to enter new markets, reach new clients and build important relationships to develop and commercialise their brand.
A rich history
A rich history
The prize has undoubtedly contributed to key moments of contemporary fashion. Early records attribute none other than Valentino Garavani as one of its first winners. In 1954, Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld were also winners, changing the history of fashion forever.
Read more*Please note: these dates are an indication only and may change.
How it works
Phase 1
Designers Apply
Emerging designers from across the world who meet the Application Criteria are encouraged to apply for the International Woolmark Prize. Follow The Woolmark Company on social to find out when applications open.
Phase 2
Advisory Council selects finalists
The Woolmark Company brings together an expert Advisory Council of leading industry tastemakers to select 7 finalists from the hundreds of applications. These 7 finalists will then go on to compete for the International Woolmark Prize and Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation.
Phase 3
Finalists create collections
The 7 global finalists have about 8 months to create their International Woolmark Prize collection, with help from the Innovation Academy, a group of like-minded brands who are working together to support the world’s leading emerging designers as they launch on a global scale. Collections - including mood boards and lookbooks - are presented to a prestigious judging panel at the final event, staged at one of the world's leading fashion weeks.
Phase 4
Commercial opportunities
Each finalist will also continue their International Woolmark Prize journey, joining a prestigious alumni of more than 400, with the opportunity to commercialise their International Woolmark Prize collections via our Retail Partner Network, including the world's leading boutiques and retailers.
Alumni
The International Woolmark Prize connects an astonishing list of industry legends, both past and present - read about the full history of the International Woolmark Prize here.
