The 2021 International Woolmark Prize finalists have recently been announced by the Woolmark Group, with renowned supermodel Naomi Campbell at the helm of the judging panel. This year, six up-and-coming design talents have been chosen as finalists for the prestigious A$300,000 prize, showcasing their dedication to excellence, innovation, transparency, sustainability, and inclusivity in the world of fashion.
Among the selected finalists are Bethany Williams from the UK, Casablanca from France, Kenneth Ize from Nigeria, Lecavalier from Canada, Matty Bovan from the UK, and Thebe Magugu from South Africa. These designers were carefully selected from a large pool of over 380 applicants representing 55 different countries, illustrating that talent truly knows no cultural or geographical boundaries.
The theme for this year’s International Woolmark Prize is ‘less is more’, focusing on the concepts of slow, responsibly produced fashion and craftsmanship. The finalists will be showcasing Merino wool collections that highlight transparency throughout their supply chain, using cutting-edge NFC technology from partner Blue Bite and following a sustainability roadmap from Common Objective.
In addition to the A$200,000 prize for the winner, the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation offers an additional A$100,000. This year, a new award, the Woolmark Supply Chain Award, has been introduced to recognize exceptional contributions from a trade partner in advancing wool supply chain innovation.
Aside from the monetary rewards, all finalists will have the opportunity to have their collections stocked in prominent global stores through the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network. The advisory council for the awards boasts industry experts such as Holli Rogers from Farfetch, Christiane Arp from Vogue Germany, and stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, among others.
Naomi Campbell has been vocal about supporting emerging voices in fashion design, underscoring the crucial importance of diversity and sustainability in the industry, particularly in these trying times. The strong focus on transparency, innovation, and responsible fashion in the International Woolmark Prize underscores the ongoing commitment to propelling the industry towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Learn more about the International Woolmark Prize and the innovative designs of the finalists by visiting the official website here. Additionally, explore the sustainable fashion initiatives and resources available through the Woolmark Group by visiting their website here.
