Terms & Conditions

Overview

1. The International Woolmark Prize (Competition) is conducted by The Woolmark Company Pty Ltd, ABN 30 067 866 657, of Level 6, 68 Harrington Street, the Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia (TWC).
   • The Competition is a fashion design award that identifies the world's foremost emerging designers, whilst highlighting the diverse interpretations of Merino wool within their collections.
2. The Competition is conducted in three stages.
   • Applicants complete an online Application Process. TWC and the Competition Advisory Council review applications and vote on 10 Finalists to be invited to participate as Finalists in the Competition. TWC reserves the right to alter the total number of finalists depending on the quality of applications received.
   • Finalists are invited to enter into the International Competition and enrol on an 8-month incubation program, including involvement in the Innovation Academy and participation in an Innovation Academy event, to prepare for the Final event.
   • Finalists will compete at the Final Event for the chance to win the Final Award and the Innovation Award.
   • Finalists collections are commercialised via the International Woolmark Prize Retail Partner Network (or finalist existing retailers).

 

Application stage

Eligibility

3. TWC and its affiliates will invite potential entrants (Applicants) to enter the Competition.
4. The Application Criteria that Applicants must meet is available at the Competition Website woolmarkprize.com.
5. TWC will appoint an Advisory Council, which will review and vote on the Applicants’ applications for entry into the Competition. 10 Finalists (the Finalists) will then be selected based on the following qualitative criteria: creativity, originality, innovation, technical sophistication of fabric use, and craftsmanship of collections submitted in support of their applications and past business achievements. The list of Finalists may be made public by TWC (or its nominee).
6. TWC may change the membership of any of the Advisory Council at any time.
7. If an Applicant’s eligibility changes so that they no longer meet the Application Criteria, this individual must immediately notify TWC and TWC will then have the opportunity to reconsider its application or the award of any prize under these Terms (in which case clauses 41, 52 and/or 53 will apply).

 

Entry

8. If an Applicant is selected as a Finalist, and wishes to accept TWC's invitation to enter the Competition, the Finalist must:
   • agree to keep their nomination as a Finalist strictly confidential. Under no circumstances may the Finalist disclose their nomination as a Finalist to any person, or to the public more generally without TWC’s express written consent, or until such time as TWC agrees that this information can be made public.
   • agree to these Terms in writing by initialling each page, signing the final page and returning a copy of these signed Terms to TWC by email to the attention of Lucy Owen at owen@wool.com or c/o Lucy Owen, The Woolmark Company, New Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA. In any event, a Finalist’s participation will be taken to be acceptance of these Terms;
   • submit a Final Entry;
   • attend and participate in the Innovation Academy Event to be held on a Nominated Date and at a Nominated Location to be advised by TWC; and
   • attend and participate in the Final Judging Event to be held on a Nominated Date and at a Nominated Location to be advised by TWC.

If a Finalist does not confirm their entry in the Competition by completing the Entry requirements outlined above within the timeframe provided by TWC, or otherwise fails to comply with the Entry requirements, then that Finalist may have their position as a Finalist in the Competition revoked at TWC’s discretion, and may be deemed ineligible to participate in the Competition or qualify for any benefits or awards available to Finalists in these terms. In such circumstances, the Advisory Council may, but is not required to, appoint an alternate Applicant as a Finalist.

Finalist Contribution

9. Subject to their compliance with these Terms, each Finalist will receive the Finalist Contribution of AU$70,000 for the development and production of 6-look Merino wool capsule collection which will be showcased at the Final Judging Event, which TWC will deposit into an account nominated by each Finalist in each Finalist’s name;
10. The contribution awarded to the Finalists is not transferable or exchangeable.
11. TWC reserves the right to disqualify a Finalist if a Finalist no longer meets the Application Criteria or has otherwise breached any of these Terms. If TWC disqualifies a Finalist, it may:
    • replace the Finalist with another Applicant in the Final Competition; and
    • require the Finalist to return the Finalist Contribution outlined in clause 9.

Finalists’ obligations

12. Finalists agree to:
    • participate, free of charge, in all promotional activities (such as publicity and photography) surrounding participating in the International Competition and winning the Final Competition. Each Finalist consents to the use, free of charge, of their name, likeness, image and/or voice (including any photograph, film and/or recording of them) in marketing and promotional materials in any media at any time by TWC or its nominee.
    • use The International Woolmark Prize logo (as provided by TWC) on all invitations, press releases and any other materials and collateral for any shows the Finalists participate in between the Application Process and the Final Judging Event (Show Collateral);
    • include mention of the International Woolmark Prize and information on any fabrics and garments developed for the Competition within the Finalist’s Autumn/Winter 2020 press release and any promotional media and interviews:
    • obtain TWC's prior written approval of all Show Collateral, (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld);
    • grant TWC and its associated entities or nominees a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide licence to use the Show Collateral for their marketing and promotional purposes in any media;
    • participate and cooperate as required in all promotional activities relating to the Competition and/or the Electronic Submission and the Final Collection (Competition Materials), including but not limited to being interviewed and photographed;
    • consent to TWC and its associated entities using Competition Materials in any media at any time to promote the Competition, TWC, the Final Collection and/or any of TWC's products or services; and
    • use the relevant Woolmark, Woolmark Blend or Wool Rich Blend symbols on the Final Collection swing tickets for one year, in accordance with the terms of the Woolmark, Woolmark Blend, Wool Rich Blend Licence Agreements (as applicable depending on the wool content) granted by TWC to the IWP Finalist for one year, free of charge (the IWP Finalist will be required to sign a standard Licence Agreement). TWC will manage and pay for testing of the Final Collection on behalf of the Finalists.
    • if provided by TWC, use of the Near Field Communication (NFC) chip technology, produced by TWC, in the Final Collection. Said NFC chip technology must be sewn into the garment(s) (in the manner as directed by TWC).
13. Finalists are not permitted to use any name, trade mark, brand or logo owned by TWC or its affiliates for any other purpose than those permitted under:
    • these Terms;
    • the relevant Woolmark, Woolmark Blend or Wool Rich Blend Licence Agreements; or
    • any other written approval given to the Finalist by TWC.
14. Finalists must not make any press release or other media communication that relates to:
    • TWC or its affiliates;
    • the Competition; or
    • the Woolmark trade mark and/or any other trade marks (whether registered or not), name, brand or logo owned by TWC or its affiliates;

without the prior written approval of TWC.

15. If a Finalist uses any name, trade mark, brand or logo owned by TWC or its affiliates in accordance with clause 47, the Finalist indemnifies TWC and its associated entities, officers, employees, and agents (Those Indemnified) against all liabilities, expenses, losses, claims, damages and costs (on a solicitor and own client basis and whether incurred by or awarded against those indemnified) arising out of or in connection with that use, except to the extent that such liabilities, expenses, losses, claims, damages and costs are caused or contributed to by the unlawful or negligent act or omission of Those Indemnified.
16. Prior to the determination of the IWP Winners, each Finalist must not have sold, granted the right to sell or distribute, or permitted the existence of any right to sell or distribute the Final Collection or any part of those collections, without the written consent of TWC.
17. Finalists enter the Competition and attend the Final Judging Event and all ancillary events at their own risk. TWC encourages Finalists to hold third party liability insurance with coverage of at least AU$10,000 and travel insurance.

 

Final Entry requirements and information

18. A Final Entry must include all of the following:
    • An Electronic Submission, which must include an introduction to the Finalist and their brand (between 100 and 500 words) including details regarding:
      • a description of the Finalist’s details such as background and achievements; and
      • a description of the Finalist's business goals;
    • If requested, sketches of six outfits which may either be the Finalist’s capsule collection or submitted from the Finalist’s Autumn / Winter 2020 Collection (Final Collection). TWC will confirm if sketches are required by 1^st October 2020.;
    • Photographic representation(s) of the fabric and yarn swatches used in the Final Collection, and details with respect to:
      • the mill and/or spinner from which the Merino wool was sourced; and
      • full details on fabric content, including the Merino wool micron as well as any other product specifications;
    • A Sustainability Road Map outlining the brands sustainability goals and actions. TWC will provide a template for completion and guidance in completing;
    • Written overview (between 100 and 500 words) outlining the innovation and its benefits, whether you intend to commercialise this innovation and the investment required and any trade partners involved to achieve the innovation;
    • Photographic representation(s) of at least one mood board that shows the source of inspiration for the Final Collection;
    • Written overview (between 100 and 500 words) outlining the inspiration and concept behind the collection.
    • Traceability touch points and proof points for each garment. TWC will provide a template for completion and guidance in completing;
    • One full-length image of each outfit shot on a live model and supplied in full-colour.
    • Finalists are required to complete TWC’s Wool Appreciation Course via the Woolmark Learning Centre as part of their Electronic Submission. TWC will provide a link for designers to access the course no later than 90 days before the Final Event.

• TWC may change the Electronic Submission requirements during the Competition and will notify Finalists in writing.
• The Electronic Submission must be submitted via a link provided by TWC at least 14 days prior to the Final Event or as directed by TWC. TWC will notify the Finalists of the Final Event date and the Nominated Location at least one month before it is due to be held.
• The Electronic Submission will be provided to the Final Judging Panel prior to the Final Judging Event for review.
• In addition to the Electronic Submission, the Finalist is required to bring the following to the Final Judging Event:
  • the 6 looks created for the Final Collection; and
  • any other materials requested by TWC.

19. All components of the Final Entry must be the Finalist's original work. Finalists warrant that all components of the Final Entry are their own original work and do not infringe the intellectual property or moral rights of any third party.
20. All intellectual property rights in the Final Entry will be owned by the Finalist.
21. Each Finalist grants to TWC (and its affiliates or nominees) a perpetual, irrevocable, transferrable (including the right to sub-license) royalty free license to use any intellectual property rights in the Final Entry (in full or in part) for any marketing or promotional purposes as TWC reasonably requires, including for use on its websites and social media channels.
22. Finalists waive their moral rights and any other similar rights in the Final Entry and consent to any act or omission that would otherwise infringe their moral rights or any other similar rights. In these Terms, moral rights include a right of attribution of authorship; a right not to have authorship falsely attributed; a right of integrity of authorship; and any right of a similar nature which is conferred by statute and which exists or comes to exist anywhere in the world.
23. TWC takes no responsibility for late or misdirected Final Entries.

 

Final Collection requirements and information

24. The Final Collection of six looks as a whole must be comprised of at least 70% Merino wool.
25. The Finalist is permitted to:
    • use computer software to produce the sketches relating to the Final Collection;
    • source the swatches through a supplier; and
    • utilise the services of third parties to produce the mood boards.
26. All the wool components of the Final Collection must meet the Woolmark, the Woolmark Blend or the Wool Rich Blend Product Specifications (as applicable depending on the wool content), which are available on wool.com.
27. The Finalist acknowledges that in order to use the Woolmark, Woolmark Blend, or Wool Blend logos, fabrics, yarns and garments must be submitted for certification testing.  Accordingly, all finalists must produce two (2) sample sets of the Final Collections by February 2020: one for use and display at the International Woolmark Prize Final and one for Woolmark certification testing. The Finalist acknowledges and agrees that their second sample set will not be able to be returned to the finalist after certification testing.
28. Clauses 24 to 26 apply to the International Collection.

 

Final Judging Event

29. The Final Judging Event for the International Woolmark Prize and the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation prize will take place between 1 January 2021 and 1 March 2021. TWC will inform the Finalists of the Nominated Date and Location of the Final Judging Event no less than one month before it is due to be held.
30. TWC will appoint a Final Judging Panel. TWC has full discretion to determine who will be on the Final Judging Panel and may change the Final Judging Panel's membership at any time.
31. At the Final Judging Event, Finalists must present their Final Entry to the Final Judging Panel and answer questions asked by the Final Judging Panel. TWC may provide live models that the Finalists may use to present their Final Entry. 
32. At the Final Judging Event, Finalists must present their Final Entries to the Final Judging Panel and answer questions asked by the Final Judging Panel.
33. In addition to the Final Judging Event, all International Collections will be presented at an event (to be advised by TWC) to the Final Judging Panel and a fashion industry audience of media and buyers.
34. Finalists must attend the Final Judging Event at the Nominated Location at their own expense unless otherwise agreed in writing by TWC and the Finalist.
35. If the Nominated Location of the Final Judging Competition does not take place in the city where a Finalist is located, TWC will organise and cover the Finalist’s costs for return transportation and lodging related to the Final Judging Event. TWC will book and attend to payment of these costs on the Finalist’s behalf. TWC will not reimburse the Finalists for expenses incurred. Any costs relating to insurance, airport services, excess baggage charges, visa fees, and all personal expenses (laundry, telephone, beverages, room service, tips, etc.) or food, drinks and entertainment must be borne by the Finalists.

 

IWP Winners

36. The Final Judging Panel will judge each Final Entry according to the Final Evaluation Criteria, which will be provided to the Finalist prior to the commencement of the International Competition. The Final Evaluation Criteria will form part of these Terms.
37. The Finalist in each category whose Final Entry is judged to be the best according to the Final Evaluation Criteria will be the IWP Winner(s). There will be one International Woolmark Prize winner and one Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation prize winner.
38. One Finalist whose Final Entry is judged to be the winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation according to the Final Evaluation Criteria will be the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation Winner. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation Winner may, but is not required to be, a Final Winner.
39. The International Woolmark Prize Winner and the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation Winner (together the IWP Winners) must participate, free of charge, in all promotional activity (such as publicity and photography) surrounding winning the International Competition. The IWP Winners consent to the use of their name, likeness, image and/or voice (including any photograph, film and/or recording of them) in promotional material in any media at any time without notification or compensation, financial or otherwise.
40. The Final Judging Panel will announce the IWP Winners by 30 March 2021. TWC will organise a press conference and media interviews with the IWP Winners to facilitate the announcement.
41. The physical components of the IWP Winner’s Final Entries become TWC's property and will not be returned to the IWP Winners. However, intellectual property in the Final Entry remains with the relevant IWP Winner.
42. TWC reserves the right to disqualify any IWP Winner if the IWP Winner no longer meets the Application Criteria or has otherwise breached any of these Terms. If TWC disqualifies an IWP Winner, it may:
    • replace the IWP Winner with a Finalist from the International Competition; and
    • require the IWP Winner to return all prizes.

 

Final Competition prize

43. The International Woolmark Prize winner will receive:
    • AU$200,000, which TWC will deposit into an account nominated by the IWP Winner(s) and held in the IWP Winner(s)’s name;
    • public relations and media coverage of any commercialisation of the IWP Winner(s)’s Final Collection;
    • the opportunity to showcase the International Collection to the TWC Retail Partners; and
    • assistance from TWC to promote any launch of the International Collection with any participating TWC Retail Partner.
44. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation Winner will receive:
    • AU$100,000, which TWC will deposit into an account nominated by the Innovation Winners and held in the Innovation Winner's name; and
    • public relations and media coverage of any commercialisation of the Innovative Items.
45. The prizes awarded to the IWP Winners are not transferable or exchangeable, and non-monetary components cannot be taken as a monetary payment.

 

IWP Winner's Obligations

46. The IWP Winners (and, if applicable, its representatives) must:
    • act as an International Woolmark Prize Ambassador for one year following the Competition and participate in such activities and attend such events as TWC may from time to time request;
    • as specified by TWC from time to time highlight the partnership with TWC through all collection launches and events for a period of 12 months following the Final Judging Event;
    • use the International Woolmark Prize Winner logo (as provided by TWC) on all invitations, press releases and any other materials and collateral for all launches, events and other Competition activities relating to their Final Collection (Show Collateral) for a period of 12 months following the Final Judging Event;
    • include mention of the International Woolmark Prize and information on any fabrics and garments developed for the Competition within the Finalist’s Autumn/Winter 2021 press release and any promotional media and interviews;
    • obtain TWC’s prior written approval of all Show Collateral (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld);
    • grant TWC (and its nominees) a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, sub-licensable, worldwide licence to use the Show Collateral for their marketing and Competition purposes in any media;
    • use the relevant Woolmark, Woolmark Blend or Wool Rich Blend symbols on the Final Collection swing tickets for one year, in accordance with the terms of the Woolmark, Woolmark Blend, Wool Rich Blend Licence Agreements (as applicable depending on the wool content) granted by TWC to the IWP Winner for one year, free of charge (the IWP Winner will be required to sign a standard Licence Agreement. TWC will manage and pay for testing of the Final Collection on behalf of the Winner;
    • participate and co-operate as required in all marketing activities relating to the Competition and/or the Final Collection (Competition Materials), including but not limited to being interviewed and photographed, for a period of 12 months following the Final Judging Event;
    • consent to TWC (with a right to sub-license, including to its nominees) using Competition Materials in any media at any time to promote the Competition, TWC, the Final Collection and/or any of TWC’s products or services;
    • if requested by TWC, enter into an exclusive retailing agreement for the Final Collection with one or more of the TWC Retail Partners (unless otherwise agreed) in each market;
    • ensure that after the International Woolmark Prize finals the Final Collection is ready and available for the commencement of retail selling (and any associated launch) through any participating TWC Retail Partner (Collection Launch), from 1 July of that year (each participating TWC Retailer may choose to have the Collection Launch anytime from August to October of that year); and
47. Winners are not permitted to use any name, trade mark, brand or logo owned by TWC or its affiliates for any other purpose than those permitted under:
    • these Terms;
    • the relevant Woolmark, Woolmark Blend or Wool Rich Blend Licence Agreements; or
    • any other written approval given to the Winner by TWC.
48. Winners must not make any press release or other media communication that relates to:
    • TWC or its affiliates;
    • the Competition; or
    • the Woolmark trade mark and/or any other trade marks (whether registered or not), name, brand or logo owned by TWC or its affiliates; without the prior written approval of TWC.
49. If a Winner uses any name, trade mark, brand or logo owned by TWC or its affiliates in accordance with clause 47, the Winner indemnifies TWC and its associated entities, officers, employees, and agents (Those Indemnified) against all liabilities, expenses, losses, claims, damages and costs (on a solicitor and own client basis and whether incurred by or awarded against those indemnified) arising out of or in connection with that use, except to the extent that such liabilities, expenses, losses, claims, damages and costs are caused or contributed to by the unlawful or negligent act or omission of Those Indemnified.

 

Entry verification and disqualification

50. All Final Competition Entries are subject to verification and confirmation to TWC.
51. TWC may ask a Finalist to:
    • deliver copies of documents to TWC that establish the Finalist's eligibility to enter or win the Competition; and/or
    • allow TWC to inspect and copy the original of any document that may establish the Finalist's eligibility to enter or win the Competition.

The Finalist must comply with TWC's request within seven days.

52. TWC may, in its absolute discretion, declare any or all entries made by a Finalist invalid if the Finalist:
    • fails to establish their entitlement to enter the Competition to TWC's satisfaction;
    • produces items that, in TWC's opinion, are illegible, stolen, forged, reconstructed, altered, incomplete or interfered with in any way;
    • in TWC's opinion, interferes with the entry process or benefits from such interference; or
    • in TWC's opinion, submits an entry which is not in accordance with these Terms.

 

Forfeiture and return of prizes

53. The Finalists will forfeit their prizes if they do not participate in the International Competition and Final Judging Event.
54. The Finalists and/or the IWP Winners will also forfeit their prizes if TWC determines that a Finalist or the IWP Winners have breached these Terms.

 

Limitation of liability and indemnity

55. Except as specifically set out in these Terms and to the maximum extent permitted by law, TWC excludes all conditions, warranties and representations expressed or implied by law.
56. To the full extent permitted by law, TWC, its associated companies and agencies and any of their personnel exclude all liability for any loss (including any damage, claim, injury, cost or expense) which is suffered or incurred by any Finalist in connection with the Competition or its prizes, including:
    • any indirect, economic or consequential loss; and
    • any loss arising from the negligence of a Relevant Party.
    • TWC holds the benefit of this clause on trust for its associated companies and agencies and any of their personnel.
57. TWC assumes no responsibility for:
    • any error, omission, interruption, or delay in the operation or transmission of any communication between TWC and any Finalist;
    • any theft, destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of such communications;
    • any problem with, or technical malfunction of, any computer system or other equipment used for the conduct of the Competition; or
    • any incorrect or incomplete information which may be communicated in the course of administering the Competition (whether as a result of one of the foregoing causes or otherwise).
58. TWC accepts no responsibility for any tax liability incurred as a result of a Finalist participating in the Competition. Finalists should obtain independent tax and financial advice.

 

General

59. TWC reserves the right to amend these Terms at its sole discretion.
60. If for any reason the conduct or operation of the Competition is interfered with or disrupted in any way (including by vandalism, power failures, natural disasters, acts of God, civil unrest, strikes, computer bugs or viruses, tampering or technical failures), TWC reserves the right to cancel, terminate, suspend or recommence the
61. All decisions made by TWC, the Competition Advisory Council and the Final Judging Panel are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
62. If any provision of these conditions is held to be illegal, invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, it will be severed from the remaining provisions, which will continue in full force and effect.

 

Supplier Code of Conduct

63. The Finalist shall ensure that it and all personnel associated with carrying out its activities under this agreement, whether employed by the Finalist or not, comply with TWC’s Supplier Code of Conduct and Business Ethics, as TWC may update from time to time.
64. In the event that the Finalist is selected as a Final Winner, the Finalist may be required to undertake an audit of its supply chain and operations, in accordance with the compliance obligations of TWC’s retail partners. This audit may include, but would not be limited to, the following:
    • general ethical and social compliance across the supply chain;
    • compliance with labour laws (including workplace health and safety, harassment and discrimination issues) in the country/ies where manufacturing would take place;
    • monitoring the use (if any) of child labour in the supply chain;
    • a review of the remuneration levels of employees; and
    • reporting on any identified instances of corruption or bribery.

 

Privacy

65. TWC collects personal information and personal data from Finalists to include the Finalists in the Competition, administer the Competition and, where appropriate, award prizes. If the personal information or personal data requested is not provided, a Finalist cannot participate in the Competition and is deemed ineligible.
66. A Finalist also agrees that TWC, and its agents, may, in the event they become an IWP Winner, publish or cause to be published their name, photograph or likeness and locality in any media globally, without compensation. Finalist also agrees that TWC may share their name and contact information with IWP partners. Any IWP Winner must participate in publicity calls and marketing as reasonably requested by TWC during the Competition and up to 18 months after selection of the IWP Winner(s).
67. Finalists accept personal information and personal data provided to TWC in accordance with these competition terms and conditions will be collected, held, used, processed and disclosed according to TWC’s privacy policy available on request or at com/legal/privacy/ and may be transferred to TWC’s computer systems worldwide for the purposes of the competition.

 

Anti-Bribery

68. The Finalist must comply with all applicable laws, statutes and regulations relating to anti-bribery and anti-corruption and must promptly report to TWC:
    • any request or demand for any undue financial or other advantage of any kind received by the Finalist in connection with the performance of this agreement;
    • if a third party acquires a direct or indirect interest in the Finalist’s business during the course of the Competition which may potentially create a conflict of interest in relation to the Finalist’s participation, or the judging of their Final Entry; and
    • the Finalist must ensure that any person associated with the Finalist and/or the Finalist’s submission under this agreement complies with this clause. The Finalist will be responsible for the compliance of such persons with this clause.
    • Failure to comply with this clause 68 may result in termination of this agreement.

 

Laws

69. The laws of New South Wales, Australia, apply to the Competition to the exclusion of any other laws. Finalist’s submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales, Australia.