Australian and Asian finalist for Woolmark Prize named

The International Woolmark Prize has added another two finalists

from Australia and Asia for the 2013-14 edition of the annual competition. Australia will be represented by fashion designer Christopher Esber, while Hong Kong-based fashion label Ffixxed will represent Asia in the grand final.

Esber was chosen from eight shortlisted brands by a panel of judges that included The Sartorialist's Scott Schuman and Vogue Australia’s Edwina McCann, for his innovative fabrications and tailoring, which included a two-piece shaggy woollen vest layered over a jumpsuit.

While fashion label Ffixxed, helmed by Kain Picken and Fiona Lau, won the Asian leg of the Woolmark Prize as chosen by judges who included Vogue China’s Angelica Cheung for their conceptual yet wearable wool dress, which was inspired by a rolled up rug.

Joining Esber and Ffixxed in the grand final, taking place in Milan next year, will be British knitwear label, Sibling who were selected to represent Europe last month and Joseph Altuzarra for America. The India-Middle East finalists will be decided in the coming weeks.

The final features five designers from Europe, India, Asia, Australia and America, which showcases each designer’s capsule collection made from merino wool. The winner will have their collection stocked in top retailers globally in Harvey Nichols, Saks Fifth Avenue, 10 Corso Como, Joyce and David Jones, and will win 100,000 Australian dollars in prize money.