The world’s premier textile award is back for another unforgettable year! It’s time for the 2023 International Woolmark Prize to crown its winning designer, and the unveiling of their esteemed jury is finally here! Be prepared to meet the talents shaping the future of fashion with their innovative ideas, as they come together to select the next great designer of our time. Read on to learn more.
1. Jury Announced for 2023 International Woolmark Prize
The wait is finally over! The jury for the 2023 International Woolmark Prize has been announced, composed of respected and accomplished industry professionals. Judging a prize of the fifth edition of the International Woolmark Prizes is sure to be no small feat, and these professionals are up to the challenge.
Here is a list of the esteemed jury:
- Valentina Zanna: prominent fashion designer and founder of her namesake eponymous clothing label
- Irina Santos: fashion designer and founder of the award-winning shoe label irinas
- Eduard Gallardo: French luxury fashion designer
- Fredrik Langeland: Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle entrepreneur
- Alexander Lehner: creative director and designer for fashion label Lehner Studio
- Anna-Lena Klimat: textile innovator and sustainability expert
This fantastic line-up of design professionals has extensive experience and knowledge in the fashion industry and is well-equipped to serve as jury members at the International Woolmark Prizes.
2. Ready the Wool: Who Will Win the 2023 Woolmark Prize?
The biennial Woolmark Prize is the world’s leading award recognizing achievement in the fashion industry. The coveted award is the most rigorous and esteemed assessment of creativity, innovation, and design excellence in wool products, and the potential of the chosen designer to influence the global fashion industry.
The international selection panel are seeking out the most talented fashion designers to embark on a groundbreaking new journey in wool. The search has begun, with the latest edition of the Woolmark Prize launching in July 2021 and running through to the grand finale in 2023. Who will be the next designer to take home the coveted Woolmark Prize? Will it be an established designer, an emerging talent, or a complete newcomer to the fashion world? And, most importantly – will their designs be able to truly capture the full potential of wool?
- Who can enter – Applications are open to fashion and textile designers of all disciplines, from emerging talent to established professionals.
- What can be entered – Entries must be comprised of three-to-five looks that demonstrate the use of wool fabrics in unique and innovative ways.
- When does the deadline end – The deadline for entries is 31 December 2022.
Whatever the outcome in 2023, one thing is for sure: the competition will ensure the world’s leading fashion designers continue to bring the best of wool to the world.
3. Introducing the Fashion Luminaries Judging the 2023 International Woolmark Prize
This year’s International Woolmark Prize is set to be judged by some of the fashion world’s greatest luminaries. We’d like to take a moment to introduce them:
- Nicolas Ghesquière: An icon in the fashion world, Ghesquière is a celebrated designer and the current Creative Director of Louis Vuitton’s Women’s Division. He is well-known for his innovative new designs and his knack for giving traditional looks a modern twist.
- Maria Grazia Chiuri: As the long-time Creative Director of Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri has solidified herself as one of the most visionary fashion personalities of our time. With a penchant for artistry and a unique design aesthetic, Chiuri has made an iconic name for herself in the fashion industry.
- Tony Liu: A legend in the world of street style, Tony Liu has quickly become one of the most sought-after fashion tastemakers of our era. With an eye for unique silhouettes and interesting layering techniques, Liu is sure to add an exciting perspective to the judging panel.
- Olivier Rousteing: Rousteing is the Creative Director of Balmain and a renowned celebrity stylist. His vibrant and daring designs have won him numerous awards, and his eye for detail and skilled artistry are sure to be a welcome addition to the judging panel.
These four fashion icons bring with them their diverse expertise and a passion for innovation. They are sure to provide an interesting and inspiring perspective on this year’s international Woolmark Prize. With their impressive resumes and wealth of knowledge, these judges are sure to bring this competition to the next level.
4. Keeping Up with the Fleece: Highlights of the 2023 International Woolmark Prize Jury
For those looking to catch up on the latest in wool fashion, the 2023 International Woolmark Prize Jury is certainly something to take notice of. This year, the panel consists of key industry names such as:
- Clare Waight Keller
- Luisa Beccaria
- Mario Dice
- Nicole Farhi
- Stella McCartney
These experienced and acclaimed fashion designers from all over the world have joined forces to select the very best wool-based designs. Not only will they choose the winner of the prestigious award, but they will also have a role in mentoring the label and showing the merits of impressive designs made with wool. This year promises to be another exciting one for wool fashion!
As the countdown to the 2023 International Woolmark Prize begins, the awe-inspiring talent of the five distinguished jurors offers a glimpse of what’s to come. After years of collaboration between creative minds, this bold new prize will introduce the world to a fresh array of innovation, elevating future fashion to new heights. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!

