Sibling wins European Woolmark Prize

British knitwear label, Sibling, helmed by Joe Bates, Sid Bryan

and Cozette McCreery has been selected to represent Europe in the annual International Woolmark Prize.

The design trio, were awarded the European Woolmark Prize this week in Milan, after impressing judges including Angela Missoni, with their wool bodysuit and jacket design.

Commenting on the European winner, Missoni said: “We decided for Sibling because they demonstrated to be the more complete and mature label, and their creative research, joint with their knowledge of wool and knitwear, was the key factor.”

With fellow judge, Tim Blanks adds: “The level of talent this year was remarkable. The jury was faced with a real challenge. But Sibling won because they created the perfect storm: stunning technique, a crazy level of creativity and a keen appreciation of wool’s endless potential.”

As winners of the European round, Sibling will receive 50,000 Australian dollars, which acts as a financial contribution to compete in the overall prize representing Europe in the grand final event.

The European round was one of five regional competitions – the other four will take place in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the US throughout June and July. The five winners of each regional stage will then have to create a capsule collection made from Merino wool to be showcased at the grand final event, which is set to take place in Milan in February 2014.

The 2013 overall winner, Belgian designer Christian Wijnants, was named during London Fashion Week by a judging panel that included Victoria Beckham, Diane von Furstenberg and Donatella Versace following a catwalk show.