The International Woolmark Prize is back after switching to a biannual schedule in 2023. The eight finalists for the 2025 edition were announced today, and as ever, they are a reflection of the exciting talent currently making waves in the fashion industry. They are: Act No 1 ’s Luca Lin and Galib Gassanoff, Diotima ’s Rachel Scott, Duran Lantink , Ester Manas ’s Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre, LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi , Luar ’s Raúl Lopez, Meryll Rogge , and Standing Ground ’s Michael Stewart.
“This year’s cohort is a diverse group of creatives—which is so important for the future of fashion and the industry in general,” said Ib Kamara , who will be the Guest Artistic Director for this year’s event. “Being from different countries, backgrounds, and disciplines means that we will have a very global take on fashion. I hope they will bring their own culture and perspectives to this year’s prize and allow us a glimpse into their worlds.
” The finalists will all receive AU$60,000 (about $39,000 USD) for the creation and development of a small collection in Merino wool, supported by mentoring from industry leaders including Business of Fashion’s editor-at-large Tim Blanks, Tilting the Lens founder Sinéad Burke, fashion editor and stylist, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, SVP and fashion director at Saks Roopal Patel, and Sara Sozzani Maino, creative director of the Sozzani Foundation and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana International New Talent an.