UK brand Sibling bags Woolmark's European regional final

A judging panel including Franca Sozzani, Angela Missoni, Godfrey Deeny, Tim Blanks, and Susanne Botschen selected the winner.

“The group of the nominees was of a very high level, and we struggled to take the decision,” said Angela Missoni, who announced the name of the winner to the media and guests. “At the end, we decided for SIBLING because they demonstrated to be the more complete and mature label, and their creative research, joint with their knowledge of wool and knitwear, was the key factor.”

“The level of talent this year was remarkable. The jury was faced with a real challenge. But SIBLING won because they created the perfect storm: stunning technique, a crazy level of creativity and a keen appreciation of wool’s endless potential,” declared Tim Blanks after the announcement.

The three designers of SIBLING, Joe Bates, Sid Bryan and Cozette McCreery expressed their reaction saying they were surprised and honoured to receive the award from a jury of such a calibre.

“Apart from the cash price, it’s the prestige of being associated to Woolmark what makes us happy, and the fact that, with the final event being held during Milan Fashion Week on February 2014, we will have the opportunity to approach the Italian market and reach a global exposure,” said the designers. “Winning the Woolmark European award is a recognition of our passion for Merino wool.”

SIBLING was awarded for the stunning wool outfit, composed by knitted bodysuit and jacket, masterpieces of creativity and technique, perfectly expressing the DNA of the label: fun, young and optimistic.

Chosen amongst the 10 most promising talents coming from all over Europe, the winner gains a financial contribution of $50,000 AUD, plus the opportunity to compete in the International competition, representing Europe during the grand final event, taking place in Milano in February 2014.

For the next six months the designers will be required to develop a capsule collection in Merino wool, to be showcased during an extraordinary event which will showcase the five finalists which will be selected from across the globe.

These  designers will compete for the final international prize – of $100,000 AUD and the opportunity to be stocked in the most important retailers of the world including Harvey Nichols – London, Saks Fifth Avenue - NY, 10 Corso Como – Milan, Joyce – China, David Jones – Sydney and My Theresa – Germany and online.

Rob Langtry, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of The Woolmark Company, explained, “The International Woolmark Prize is our commitment to educating the next generation of fashion industry leaders about the extraordinary potential of wool. We hope the inherent properties of wool will stimulate the designers’ creative thinking, so they encompass both intrinsic and extrinsic innovations to their collections.

"We wish all the designers participating in the Prize this year the best and we look forward to establishing an ongoing partnership with each of them who are the industry leaders of the future.”

Woolmark