The 2025 International Woolmark Prize celebrates a fresh wave of innovation and trends, where experimentation and craftsmanship with wool takes centre stage. From reinterpreting traditional techniques to uniting modern design with repurposed materials, discover the standout trends that define this year’s finalist designs.

A Return To Handmade

Duran Lantink

Blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design, 2025 International Woolmark Prize winner Duran Lantink revives historical Dutch wool knitting techniques, scaling traditional hand-knit patterns into oversized, sculptural statements. The brand enlisted a community of 12 seasoned knit artisans for their expertise.

Diotima

Diotima integrates artisanal craft techniques from Jamaica and India into modern wool designs. Their hand-crocheted soft Merino wool pieces are made to sit comfortably next-to-skin, embodying lightness and movement.

Standing Ground

Standing Ground’s double-faced wool suit showcases the artistry of Celtic knots and hand beading, with each embellishment delicately hand-sewn, connected, then pressed between two layers of wool fabric.

EMBRACING CIRCULAR DESIGN

ACT N°1

ACT N°1 uses deadstock buttons and linings to reduce waste. The collection incorporates plant-based natural dyeing methods, reducing the environmental impact of each wool piece.

LGN LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI

LGN LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI reinterprets its signature tailoring by blending a 45% recycled wool, sourced from the brand’s partner, Kvadrat’s supply chain waste, woven with 55% virgin wool fabric.

Standing Ground

Standing Ground minimises waste through energy-conscious production, using machinery with silent motors that consume 20% less electricity than traditional machinery, and a commitment to repair, reconditioning and lifetime alterations to align with circular design principles.

LUAR

LUAR centres its brand on small-batch production and focuses on repurposing leftover materials, transforming excess fabric into accompanying accessories to minimise waste.

Wool Textile Innovation, A Natural Alternative To Synthetic Tailoring

Ester Manas

Ester Manas developed sheer wool tulles that achieved near-transparency while retaining structure, volume, and stretch, reimagining the brands best-sellers that have traditionally been made from mesh and tulle in wool.

Meryll Rogge

Meryll Rogge experiments with fused knits and quilted wool padding, creating unexpected textures that blend structure with fluidity. Double-faced wool coats and bonded wool garments attain structural proportions without the use of synthetics to maintain both comfort and form.

LUAR, Meryll Rogge and Standing Ground

All three brands replaced synthetic fillings with wool wadding to achieve warmth and breathability while retaining shape, eliminating microplastics that shed with traditional synthetic alternatives.

Standing Ground

Standing Ground achieved slim-line sculptural forms and volume by steaming then shrinking wool fabric to mould perfectly to the body. 

WOOL FAUX FUR

Diotima and LUAR

Both Diotima and LUAR incorporated wool faux fur into their collections. Diotima’s wool fur fringe collar was crafted by hand-looping wool yarn to achieve a shearling-inspired appearance. LUAR, on the other hand, mimicked traditional fur by carefully hand-teasing wool fibres, sewing the fibres in reverse to create a soft, textured fur effect.

WOOL COUTURE

Duran Lanitnk, LUAR and Standing Ground

Duran Lantink, LUAR and Standing Ground all brought couture designs to the Woolmark Prize, creating one-of-a-kind bespoke pieces through wool.

ADAPTABLE DESIGNS

ACT N°1

ACT N°1’s collection is focused on inclusivity, using details such as trousers and skirts with elastic waists on the back to adapt to the shape of the wearer. The topstitched pleated skirt is created with 100% wool and features adjustable hooks at each pleat, making for a size-inclusive garment.

Ester Manas

Ester Manas celebrates size-inclusivity. The brand’s Long Pearl-Embellished Dress is made from 100% Extrafine Merino wool, producing a transparent aesthetic with elasticity and comfort to hug the body.

NEXT-TO-SKIN SOFTNESS

LGN LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI

LGN LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI partnered with Saint James in Normandy, France, to develop 100% wool knitwear underwear, exploring wool in the intimate sphere with a focus on softness and comfort.

Ester Manas 

Ester Manas reimagined their signature size-inclusive, next-to-skin pieces, including a sheer lace bra, tights and ruffled wool briefs.