International Woolmark Prize winners announced

Woolmark picture from website.

Congratulations to British designer Saul Nash (seen above second from left, next to his model in red) who was named the winner of the 2022 International Woolmark Prize at a special event held in London. Also to fashion label MMUSOMAXWELL from South Africa, founded in 2016 by Maxwell Boko and Mmuso Potsane (in centre and right, franking their model in black), winners of the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation. 

The 2022 judging panel included Burberry’s chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci,  Alaïa creative director Pieter Mulier, and other industry experts: Ben Gorham, Carine Roitfeld, Edward Enninful OBE, Ibrahim Kamara, Marc Newson CBE, Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, Naomi Campbell, Shaway Yeh, Sinéad Burke and Tim Blanks. 

Nash was praised for his modern use of Merino wool, bridging the gap between active and more formal wear, and the use of compressed wool hybrid jersey/airtex mesh knits and a double-faced jersey with integrated mesh holes to offer high stretch, strength and breathability.

Nash's prize will include receiving 200,000 Australian dollars, along with mentoring from Woolmark for his business and the chance to have his collection stocked at leading stores via the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.

Mmusomaxwell was praised for taking an artisanal approach to its collection, sourcing local raw materials and end-to-end production, and for their passion, courage and commitment to introducing a new skillset to South African manufacturers, as the design team promoted slow production against over-consumption, and allowing for greater product traceability.

Mmusomaxwell will receive 100,000 Australian dollars of prize money. 

The theme of this year’s competition was ‘play’.  Each finalist was challenged “to drive change and innovation for a more conscious future”, and encouraged to experiment with textiles, design and progressive business practices.