Woolmark Texprint Award names winner

Textile designer Sophie Manners has been named the winner

of the second annual Woolmark Texprint Award in support of Campaign for Wool at Indigo, Paris.

Manners, who designs primarily with 60 percent or more Merino Wool, was chosen as the winner out of the 24 shortlisted designers taking part in the Texprint programme this year, due to her “superb use of Merino wool in terms of the variety of weights used” as well as the “technical excellence and the commerciality of her weave designs”.

Commenting on Manners designs, judge James Sugden from Johnstons of Elgin, said: “Technically, her fabrics are well-constructed and executed. There is a commerciality that can be translated into something saleable.”

As winner, Manners received 1,000 Pounds in prize money, as well as having access to the training on the benefits and uses of wool through her nearest Woolmark office.

The award, which honours the inventive use of wool in textile design, was designed in support of the Campaign for Wool initiative with patron HRH The Prince of Wales and this year’s winner was presented by trend forecaster Nelly Rodi and The Woolmark Company's Peter Ackroyd.