The International Woolmark Prize is the world's most prestigious talent development award for rising fashion stars looking to shape a positive future for the fashion industry. Are you the next winner?
Applications for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize are now closed.
If you applied for the prize, you will be contacted in August 2024 to confirm if your application is successful.
Award Program Schedule
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 Woolmark on social to find out when applications open.
Phase 2
Advisory Council selects finalists
Woolmark brings together an expert Advisory Council of leading industry tastemakers to select 5 finalists from the hundreds of applications. These 5 finalists will then go on to compete for the International Woolmark Prize.
Phase 3
Finalists create collections
The 5 global finalists have 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 are presented to a prestigious judging panel at the final event, held in a key international market.
Phase 4
Commercial opportunities
Each finalist will also continue their International Woolmark Prize journey, joining a prestigious alumni of more than 600, with the opportunity to commercialise their International Woolmark Prize collections via our Retail Partner Network, including the world's leading boutiques and retailers.
WHO CAN APPLY
OPERATING YEARS
- Producing commercially for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 10 years (at the time of submitting an application).
COMPANY PRACTICES
- Demonstrate an innovative use of fabrics and textiles.
- A commitment to best practice and supply chain integrity.
SALES GROWTH
- Show a yearly growth in sales.
- Have a minimum of one wholesale partner.
What to include in your application
Applications for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize must be no more than 10MB and include all of the following:
BRAND OVERVIEW
- Include essential details such as number of collections produced, contact details, stockists, press coverage and a PDF version of your two latest lookbooks.
REASON FOR APPLYING
- Outline your motivation to apply for the International Woolmark Prize.
EXPERIENCE WITH WOOL
- Detail how you’ve worked with wool including any innovative or sustainable practices.
- Previous experience with Merino wool is not a prerequisite for application.
The Award
Global final
Global final
Each year a final event is held on the world stage, traditionally 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 winner will receive the International Woolmark Prize and will be awarded AU$300,000. 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.
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