The International Woolmark Prize is back after switching to a biannual schedule in 2023. The eight finalists for the 2025 edition were announced Tuesday, and as ever, they are a reflection of the exciting talent currently making waves in the fashion industry. They are: Act No 1’s Luca Lin, Diotima’s Rachel Scott, Duran Lantink, Ester Manas’s Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre, LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi, Luar’s Raúl Lopez, Meryll Rogge and Standing Ground’s Michael Stewart.
“This year’s cohort is a diverse group of creatives — which is so important for the future of fashion and the industry in general,” said Ib Kamara, who will be guest artistic director for this year’s event. “Being from different countries, backgrounds and disciplines means that we will have a very global take on fashion. I hope they will bring their own culture and perspectives to this year’s prize and allow us a glimpse into their worlds.”
The finalists will all receive AU $60,000 (about $39,000) for the creation and development of a small collection in merino wool, supported by mentoring from industry leaders including Business of Fashion editor-at-large Tim Blanks, Tilting the Lens founder Sinéad Burke, fashion editor and stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, SVP and fashion director at Saks Roopal Patel, and Sara Sozzani Maino, creative director of the Sozzani Foundation and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana’s international new talent and brands ambassador. The winner will receive AU $300,000 (about $195,000) to invest in their business. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation has since been expanded to include any member of the fashion industry. “We find ourselves in a moment when the demand for innovation and constructive solutions has never been greater,” explained John Roberts, managing director of the Woolmark Company. “Inspiration can arise from any source. We recognise the Woolmark Prize platform’s ability to spotlight fresh ideas, and we are committed to harnessing this programme to amplify these innovative concepts.”
Innovation is the key word for the Woolmark Prize, and indeed, all the finalists are known for their innovative ideas — some in their business practices and approaches to community, and others with a more textile-driven approach. “Each season, I strive to deepen my understanding of craft, crochet, threadwork and fabric manipulation,” said Diotima’s Scott. “For us, innovation is about redefining fashion through inclusivity, creativity and sustainability,” said the Ester Manas designers in an email. “It’s not just about creating new designs — it’s about breaking down the traditional boundaries of size and fabric usage.” Lantink expressed similar thoughts: “It’s about reimagining what’s possible within fashion’s existing structures — breaking down and reconstructing pieces in ways that create new value from what already exists.” At Luar, Lopez defined it as “pushing boundaries by blending cultural references, streetwear and luxury, while challenging traditional fashion norms”. Nouchi of LGN believes that “innovation means sincerity”, while Act No 1’s Lin, liken innovation to “remaining open to new transformations and influences, and being reborn while always remembering our origins”.
The winners of this year’s edition will join a prestigious roster of alumni that includes A Roege Hove, Lagos Space Programme, Gabriela Hearst, Rahul Mishra, Bode, Saul Nash and industry giants like Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino Garavani. “I remember seeing our fellow Belgian Christian Wijnants win the prize a decade ago and feeling inspired by his achievement,” said Meryll Rogge. “To now be recognised ourselves feels surreal and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship.”
