CONSIDERED one of most prestigious and respected prizes in the industry, the Woolmark Prize finalists have been announced for 2021. Over 380 applicants from 55 different countries applied, and six finalists were picked from the advisory council.
The 2021 International Woolmark Prize finalists are: Bethany Williams (UK), Casablanca (France), Kenneth Ize (Nigeria), Lecavalier (Canada), Matty Bovan (UK) and Thebe Magugu (South Africa).
From top left to right: Bethany Williams, Kenneth Ize and Matty Bovan
From bottom left to right: Charaf Tajer of Casablanca, Thebe Magugu and Marie-Ève Lecavalier
The six finalists will present a Merino wool collection in 2021 that aims to emphasise transparency throughout their supply chain by using NFC technology supplied by Blue Bite as well as a Common Objective sustainability roadmap.
The theme for the collection is Less Is More. With this being the overall title for each collection, the Woolmark Prize wants to ensure the designers are creating and producing fashion responsibly and with careful craftsmanship.
The winner will be awarded the prize and $200,000 Australian dollars to invest in the development of their brand. Alongside this award, the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation will also be presented and the recipient will receive AU$100,000, and this year will see the introduction of the Woolmark Supply Chain Award, given to the individual who focuses on the awareness of supply chain innovation.
The 2021 Advisory Council of Woolmark Prize
The winners will collectively be chosen by the 2021 Advisory Council: Naomi Campbell, Carlos Nazario, Chizuru Muko, Christiane Arp, Floriane de Saint Pierre, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Holli Rogers, Laura Brown, Livia Firth, Manish Arora, Shaway Yeh, Sara Sozzani Maino, Sarah Mower, Sinéad Burke, Tim Blanks and Alison Veness.
by Imogen ClarkÂ