Woolmark declares 12 finalists of IWP 2018/19

For the next seven months, the finalists will be required to develop a capsule collection of six looks in Merino wool, to be showcased at an extraordinary event. The 12 finalists are Albus Lumen from Australia, Angel Chen from China, Brandon Maxwell, Colovos and Willy Chavarria from the United States, Cmmn Swdn from Sweden, Daniel w Fletcher, Edward Crutchley and Nicholas Daley from the United Kingdom, i-am-chen from Hong Kong, Yohei Ohno from Japan andYouser from Korea.

"Now in its seventh year the International Woolmark Prize has evolved into one of the biggest fashion awards of its calibre and so we have restructured the program to ensure our nominees and finalists receive the highest level of industry support and guidance," explained The Woolmark Company managing director Stuart McCullough.

"The exceptional quality demonstrated by this year’s designers not only reinforces the strength of the award but also proves Australian wool’s relevance on the global stage. Wool’s inherent benefits combined with its eco-credentials provide designers with countless possibilities and I am excited to see what innovative designs are showcased at the global final next year," added McCullough.

"I was totally impressed by all candidates, and not just by their creativity but also the strong identity and story behind each brand. Each designer fully utilised the characteristics of wool and transformed the fibre in modern and practical ways." judge Angus Lui said.

In line with The Woolmark Company’s ethos of supporting emerging talent, the 2018/19 International Woolmark Prize trophy has been designed and manufactured by Central Saint Martin’s MA Material Futures graduate Charlotte Kidger. With an elegant yet bold form the trophy is designed to allow the material - the waste plastic deriving from Computer Numerical Control fabrication - to be seen and celebrated in its raw form.

"The aim of this body of work was to find ways of utilising and repurposing industrial material waste streams diverting the material from landfill sites and incineration. Finding beauty in this abundant source of raw material I have transformed it from waste to something of desirability and beauty with longevity and durability at its forefront," explained Charlotte. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India