Nigeria-based fashion designer Adeju Thompson, the founder of Lagos Space Programme, has recently been announced as the winner of the highly esteemed International Woolmark Prize for 2023. This unexpected victory has propelled Thompson and his label into the fashion spotlight, as he managed to surpass tough competition in a closely contested final held in Paris.
Thompson’s design aesthetic can be described as a celebration of Yoruba culture, characterized by its freshness and refusal to replicate past trends. He proudly stated that his designs are also very inclusive and reflect his own identity as a gay man. The moment he received the award from actress and rock star Lou Doillon at the iconic Petit Palais, Thompson was overwhelmed with joy and shared celebratory hugs with his team.
In addition to Thompson’s win, A Roege Hove was recognized with the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation. The award was presented by two senior associates of the Lagerfeld brand, Caroline Lebar and Sebastien Jondeau. It is worth noting that this year’s prize marks the 70th anniversary of the International Woolmark Prize.
With a prestigious history dating back to 1954, when Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld were joint winners of the inaugural edition, the International Woolmark Prize continues to be highly regarded in the fashion industry. The award is organized by The Woolmark Company, which represents 65,000 Australian sheep farmers. Winners and finalists of the competition are awarded cash prizes of AU$200,000 and AU$100,000 respectively, along with ongoing support from industry and retail partners.
Byborre, another prominent participant in the competition, received the Supply Chain Award, presented by fashion activist Sinéad Burke. The jury panel for this year’s prize consisted of industry experts such as Alessandro Sartori, Carine Roitfeld, Caroline de Maigret, Elizabeth von der Goltz, Francesco Risso, John Roberts, Pieter Mulier, and Sinéad Burke.
The jury members were particularly impressed with Thompson’s innovative fabric techniques, which included block printing and the incorporation of Yoruba elements. Alessandro Sartori, the creative director of Zegna and a member of the jury, shared that the decision was not an easy one, as there was extensive and intense debate among the panel.
The list of past winners of the International Woolmark Prize reads like a who’s who of renowned designers, including Valentino Garavani, Rahul Mishra, Gabriela Hearst, Richard Malone, and Edward Crutchley. The award not only celebrates Australian merino wool but also recognizes designers who demonstrate a lifelong passion for working with this fiber.
Adeju Thompson’s victory not only solidifies his position in the fashion industry but also signals the increasing recognition of Nigerian fashion and talent on a global scale. With his unique design perspective and inventive techniques, Thompson is poised to leave an indelible mark on the fashion world and serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers worldwide.
Useful Links:
1. Lagos Space Programme Official Website
2. International Woolmark Prize Official Website
