The Judges Will Present Their Selection for the Prize in Milan in April
The prestigious International Woolmark Prize is set to make a grand return to Milan this April, showcasing eight of the world’s most promising designers. These talents are competing to influence the future of the fashion industry through their innovative and sustainable designs. The event marks a significant occasion as it’s the first time the prize will be awarded in its new biennial format.
This year’s panel of judges is comprised of notable figures from the fashion world, including Donatella Versace, who will begin her role as Chief Brand Ambassador for Versace on April 1, 2025, and also serve as the Chair of Judges. Joining her are IB Kamara, IWP2025 Guest Artistic Director; Law Roach, Image Architect; Alessandro Sartori, Artistic Director at Zegna; Alessandro Dell’Acqua, N21 Founder and Creative Director; Roopal Patel, SVP, Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue; Sinéad Burke, Educator, Advocate, and Founder of Tilting the Lens; Honey Dijon, DJ, Producer, and Artist; Danielle Goldberg, Celebrity Stylist and Brand Consultant; Tim Blanks, Editor-at-Large at Business of Fashion; and Simone Marchetti, Vanity Fair European Editorial Director & Vanity Fair Italia Editor-in-Chief.
“Supporting the next generation of fashion talent has never been more important. I am so excited to host the Woolmark Prize in our home city of Milan and to meet the designers selected. I am sure they will all be winners in their own way. I am honored to be Chair of the judging panel for the 2025 Woolmark Prize alongside my fellow amazing judges. Woolmark has always been such fantastic supporters of the future of fashion,” stated Donatella Versace.
Competing for the coveted prize are Act N°1 from Italy, Diotima from the USA, Duran Lantink from the Netherlands, Ester Manas from Belgium, Lgn Louis Gabriel Nouchi from France, Luar from the USA, Meryll Rogge from Belgium, and Standing Ground from the UK/Ireland.
The winner will receive an increased prize fund of AU$300,000 to invest in the development of their business and the opportunity to be featured in some of the world’s leading stores through the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.
Two additional industry awards will also be presented at the event. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation will recognize a brand or individual within the fashion industry who has made significant advances in the use of Merino wool. Meanwhile, the Supply Chain Award will honor a member of the supply chain who has exhibited outstanding leadership and innovation in promoting sustainable practices, reinforcing the critical role of the supply chain in the fashion and textile sectors.
Since its inception, the International Woolmark Prize has been instrumental in launching the careers of some of the most influential fashion designers, including Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren.
