It's that time of year again. The Woolmark Company has just announced the seven finalists for the worlds most prestigious fashion awards and development program, the 2022 International Woolmark Prize. Won't you let us introduce them?
For the uninitiated, the International Woolmark Prize rewards innovation, sustainability and forward thinking design. Every year, across the globe, hundreds of young and emerging designers submit applications to be considered by a panel of industry stalwarts. Of those hundreds, each application is reviewed and whittled down - a process that occurred earlier in July - until the panel has found seven of the most standout applicants.
For 2022, the brief was 'Play' and consequently, designers were encouraged to "play and experiment with textiles, design and business practices to drive change and innovation for a brighter future". All finalists will receive a $60,000 grant to develop a Merino wool collection, and will also receive support for the program's education and mentoring initiative, the Innovation Academy, that considers activist Sinéad Burke, Tim Blanks the Editor-at-Large of BOF and Sara Sozzani Maino as a few figures among its ranks.
As for the winner? One finalist will be awarded the recipient of the International Woolmark Prize which includes a sum of $200,000 to invest in developing their business and brand. There are also two other awards to go around, namely the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation with a $100,000 grant and the Woolmark Supply Chain Award which is presented to a trade partner championing wool supply chain innovation.
This year the Prize found a winner in New York based, British designer Matty Bovan. Now the question hot off everyones lips is who will be next? All we know is that it will be one of the following finalists. Find out who they are, below.
Jordan Dalah, Australia
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Representing Australia, the magic of Jordan Dalah has long been felt by the team at RUSSH. His marriage of the sublime and the mundane is one we'd like to attend, every, single, time.
Ahluwalia, United Kingdom
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Winner of the 2020 LVMH Prize, designer Priya Ahluwalia burst onto the scene all guns blazing with clothes that draw on her Afro-Caribbean and Indian roots. Other designers have certainly noticed too; leading Ahluwalia to be the label of choice for brand partnerships, namely with Mulberry and Ganni.
EGONLAB, France
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EGONlab creates genderless suiting with exaggerated lapels and flared bell bottoms, speaking to the Harry Styles in all of us.
MMUSOMAXWELL, South Africa
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Clean lines and structured silhouettes take centre stage at MMUSOMAXWELL. Blazers are reimagined with belt loops and sans buttons. Pleated skirts are perfectly at home layered over trousers or attached to suit jackets.
Peter Do, USA
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Not only is Peter Do committed to razor sharp tailoring and silhouettes that are crafted with movement in mind, but his eponymous label prides itself on being founded on the values of kindness and mutual respect.
RUI, China
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Rui Zhou has tapped into our pressing desire for slinky clothes that moan sex and flash skin. They're athletic, sheer, and have inspired many a copycat.
Saul Nash, United Kingdom
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Coming from a dance background designer Saul Nash wants to bridge the gap between luxury menswear and athleisure. He builds collections from technical fabrics, from the digs of North London manufacturers to emphasise community and the power of locally made.
