Who Is Taking Home The 2025 International Woolmark Prize?

Eight trailblazing designers are set to transform Merino wool into the material of tomorrow. This year’s International Woolmark Prize (IWP) finalists have been tasked with crafting six extraordinary looks for their Autumn/Winter 2025 collections—or as standalone showcases—proving that Merino wool is as innovative and versatile as it is sustainable. Among these six creations, one look will make its exclusive debut at the IWP final, championing forward-thinking design and a brighter future for fashion.

Vying for the prize this year—an AU$300,000 award to supercharge the winner’s business—are ACT N°1, Diotima, Duran Lantink, Ester Manas, LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi, Luar, Meryll Rogge, and Standing Ground. Alongside the cash prize, these global talents will have the chance to feature their designs in stores around the world through the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.

From Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent to Gabriela Hearst and last year’s winners, Lagos Space Programme and A.ROEGE HOVE, the IWP has long been a launchpad for designers destined to redefine fashion. This year’s finalists aim to join these ranks, bringing their unique creative flair to a storied legacy. They will also have to impress Dazed editor-in-chief Ib Kamara, who joins Woolmark this year as the prize’s guest artistic director.

‘I’m honoured to be joining the amazing team at Woolmark for the 2025 Woolmark Prize, bringing fresh creativity as we celebrate these design talents,’ says Kamara. ‘It’s so important that we nurture and inspire the talent shaping the future of the fashion industry, and I can’t wait to meet the finalists.’

Central to the competition is the Innovation Academy, a powerhouse of mentorship, collaboration, and support. Finalists receive hands-on guidance from industry leaders like BYBORRE, Knitwear Lab, and Tilting the Lens, alongside access to over 50 global supply chain partners. From concept development to sustainability strategies, this programme equips designers with the tools to create collections that are as impactful as they are inspiring.