Woolmark recognises designers at annual awards
11/01/2018
The judging panel for this year’s award included actress and model Amber Valletta, Vogue Italian editor in chief Emanuele Farneti, and Stuart McCullough, managing director of The Woolmark Company.
The International Woolmark Prize for Womenswear has given to Ruchika Sachdeva for her brand, Bodice. The collection aimed to address the issue of consumer waste in fashion, inspired by the designer’s grandmother who used to upcycle saris into quilts. She combined Australian Merino wool with traditional Indian weaving techniques and used dyes and buttons from natural or renewable sources.
The winner of the International Woolmark Prize for Menswear was Matthew Miller, who was recognised for a collection that the judging panel felt combined innovation and commercial viability. He designed items that can be adapted to different environments, which included treating wool to create water resistant fabrics. He also eliminated plastic fastenings by using recycled material, such as waste marble.
A new award was added for 2017/18, the International Woolmark Prize Innovation Award. It was given to Christopher Bevans’ brand, DYNE. His collection consisted of a technical snowboarding wardrobe, including a water-resistant wool jacket complete with an NFC chip to track the wearer during an avalanche. It also featured zip-up hoodies, track pants, trench coats and pullovers.
Share this story:
