12 International Woolmark Prize finalists announced

New York - The 2015-2016 International Woolmark Prize finalists have been announced. The six men's wear nominees are Munsoo Kwan (Asia), P. Johnson (Australia), Agi & Sam (British Isles), Jonathan Christopher (Europe), Suketdhir (India, Pakistan, and Middle East), and Siki Im (US). The six women's wear finalists are J Koo (Asia), Bianca Spender (Australia), Teatum Jones (British Isles), Nanna van Blaaderen (Europe), Taller Marmo (India, Pakistan, and Middle East), and Tanya Taylor (US).

The men's wear finalists will compete against each other at Pitti Uomo in January, while the women's wear finalists will compete against each other in New York in February. The two winners will receive a prize of 100,000 Australian dollars, or 73,000 U.S. dollars at current exchange. Their collections will also be carried in Harvey Nichols in London, 10 Corso Como in Milan, Beijing and Shanghai Matchesfashion.com, Mytheresa.com, Saks Fifth Avenue in the US, Joyce in China, Isetan Mitsukoshi in Japan, Boutique 1 in the United Arab Emirates, and David Jones in Australia.

“The International Woolmark Prize is a truly global celebration of emerging talent,” Stuart McCullough, managing director of The Woolmark, said to WWD. “The competition not only allows the participating designers to share their vision on the world’s stage, it provides them with the opportunity for far-reaching commercial success.”

The International Woolmark Prize (IWP) recognizes outstanding rising fashion labels. Regional competitions are held around the world to choose finalists for the award, judged by high profile industry figures during the international autumn/winter collection shows.