The Finalists of the International Woolmark Prize 2022. Photo Courtesy of International Woolmark Prize.
In order to create something truly new, one has to play. They have to explore new horizons, inner worlds and spheres via their imagination; the sacred power that no one can ever take away from them. Playing opens the doors to new, groundbreaking even meticulous design, and that’s why this year’s theme of the annual International Woolmark Prize is evolving around the practice of “play.” According to the chair board, this year’s program theme is a true celebration of forward-thinking design and innovation.
Left: MMUSOMAXWELL, Right: Rui. Photo Courtesy of International Woolmark Prize.
Today, the seven nominees of the highly anticipated prize have been announced today. Sourcing from all over the world, the prize’s jury has selected seven people who made it to the finale. For the year of 2022, the brands Ahluwalia and Saul Nash from the United Kingdom, EGONLAB from France, Jordan Dalah from Australia, MMUSOMAXWELL from South Africa, Rui from China and Peter Do from the US made it to the final round.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the next generation of creative game-changers to take part in the 2022 International Woolmark Prize,” said Australian Wool Innovation CEO, John Roberts. “As the award continues to evolve, our aim is to support designers to think beyond today, highlighting the innovation, versatility and sustainability of Merino wool and showcase its basis for new technologies to meet the discerning needs of tomorrow’s customer.”
Left: EGONLAB, Right: Saul Nash. Photo Courtesy of International Woolmark Prize.
Peter Do. Photo Courtesy of International Woolmark Prize.
Left: Ahluwalia, Right: Jordan Dalah. Photo Courtesy of International Woolmark Prize.
Each of the hand-picked finalists will receive a $60.000 AUD grant for the development of a Merino collection and will be supported by the programme’s education and mentoring initiative, which entails mentoring from high-class industry leaders, such as Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Holli Rodgers, Sinead Burke, Sara Sozzani, Maino, Shaway Yeh or Tim Blanks.
Having sustainability at the heart of the initiative, each finalist will present a Merino wool collection for Autumn/Winter 2022 highlighting each step in their supply chain in order to keep the transparency. The winner of the prize will be announced in April 2022.