International Woolmark Prize 2018 finalists

The winning designers from each national Woolmark Prize: Asia, British Isles, Europe, USA, India-Pakistan-Middle East and Australasia will come together to compete for the International Woolmark Prize 2018 at the start of next year.

The twelve national winners will receive the equivalent of 43,000 pounds regardless of their place in the international competition - as well as expert advice from a global panel who will help to kick-start their design careers.

The national winners and international finalists include:

Matthew Miller, menswear winner British Isles

"The #WoolmarkPrize has given me an opportunity to look at wool in a new way," says @lekilt's Samantha McCoach of her winning wool-denim look.

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 12 Jul 2017 om 9:14 PDT

Samantha McCoach (Le Kilt), womenswear winner British Isles

"They were all winners for different reasons but Matthew Miller showed true passion, producing a look that is luxurious but still cool," said #WoolmarkPrize London judge @jasonbasmajian of @cerruti1881. Visit woolmarkprize.com to see @studiomatthewmiller' swimming look.

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 12 Jul 2017 om 6:25 PDT

SixLee from Hong Kong: menswear winner, Asia

That winning feeling: Chinese designer @sixlee is crowned the winner of the #WoolmarkPrize Asia for menswear, going on to represent the region at the international finals come January 2018. Special thank you to @maccosmetics and @toniandguyworld!

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 10 Jul 2017 om 12:51 PDT

KYE from South Korea: womenswear winner, Asia

Crafted from vivid monochromatic wool and finished with a cold eco-wash for special effect, Korean designer @kye_official took home the trophy for the womenswear category #WoolmarkPrize Asia. Visit woolmarkprize.com for more about @kkye's winning womenswear collection. Special thank you to @maccosmetics and @toniandguyworld!

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 10 Jul 2017 om 1:33 PDT

L’homme Rouge, menswear winner Europe

Walk this way: @lhommerouge take out this year's European #WoolmarkPrize for menswear! The Swedish menswear label will take to the global stage at the international final in 2018.

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 18 Jul 2017 om 5:27 PDT

David Laport, womenswear winner Europe

Bright star: @davidlaport is Europe's new womenswear hero after winning this year's #WoolmarkPrize for the region. See you at the final in 2018!

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 18 Jul 2017 om 5:36 PDT

Christopher Bevans, menswear winner USA

"Winning this award has left me speechless," says menswear winning designer @dyne.life Christopher Bevans. "It has been a fantastic ride and I'm looking forward to working more with wool."

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 18 Jul 2017 om 6:49 PDT

Zaid Affas, womenswear winner USA

"To be chosen by such an esteemed panel of judges and to be given this incredible opportunity means a lot to me," said #WoolmarkPrize USA womenswear winner @zaidaffas.

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 18 Jul 2017 om 8:17 PDT

Antar-Agni, menswear winner India-Pakistan-Middle East

"This process has really taught me so much," explained #WoolmarkPrize regional menswear winner @antar_agni_ujjawaldubey. "I have developed a new-found appreciation for this incredible fibre."

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 24 Jul 2017 om 1:25 PDT

Bodice, womenswear winner India-Pakistan-Middle East

"I am honoured to win the #WoolmarkPrize because it gives #Bodice the opportunity for real global expansion," says womenswear winner Ruchika Sachdeva.

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 24 Jul 2017 om 10:11 PDT

Blair Archibald, menswear winner, Australasia

"The work of @blairarchibald is very well considered in terms of its aesthetic, functionality and provenance," said #WoolmarkPrize judge Jeremy Hershan of @r.m.williams_official. "I think the concept of mixing new innovation with military was a nice angle."

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 14 Aug 2017 om 12:00 PDT

Harman Grubiša, womenswear winner, Australasia

"The Woolmark Prize encourages designers to think about the material they use and to be part of that journey is so wonderful, explained womenswear winning label @harman_grubisa.

Een bericht gedeeld door The Woolmark Company (@thewoolmarkcompany) op 14 Aug 2017 om 1:03 PDT

Set to be held in Florence in January, the International Woolmark prize 2018 will see designers from the six regions come together to entice a range of industry specialist judges with their designs that use Australian Merino wool.

The winner will receive a further 121,200 pounds (approx) as well as Woolmark certification for their winning collection.

A new award has also been introduced for 2018 that will be presented to one of the 12 designers, citing the work of the industry’s trade and supply chain partners. Named ‘The Innovation Award’ it aims to encourage more experimental approaches in design and textile development and will result in a prize of approximately 60,000 pounds. The responsible trade partner will also benefit from a promotion via The Woolmark Company’s trade partner program.