Sydney - Seven of the world’s most promising emerging design talents have been selected for the 2022 International Woolmark Prize - one of the industry's most prestigious fashion awards and talent development programs.

The 2022 International Woolmark Prize finalists are:

• Ahluwalia, United Kingdom
• Egonlab, France
• Jordan Dalah, Australia
• Mmusomaxwell, South Africa
• Peter Do, USA
• Rui, China
• Saul Nash, United Kingdom

In July 2021, hundreds of applications were reviewed by an esteemed panel of industry members and The Woolmark Company to select the seven finalists.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the next generation of creative game-changers to take part in the 2022 International Woolmark Prize,” said The Woolmark Company CEO, John Roberts. “As the award continues to evolve, our aim is to support designers to think beyond today, highlighting the innovation, versatility and sustainability of Merino wool and showcase its basis for new technologies to meet the discerning needs of tomorrow’s customer.”

This year’s program theme, Play, will be a celebration of forward-thinking design and innovation. Finalists are invited to experiment with textiles, design and progressive business practices to drive change and innovation for a more conscious future.

Each finalist will receive a AU$60,000 grant for the development of a Merino collection and will be supported by the program’s education and mentoring initiative, the Innovation Academy, which includes mentoring from industry leaders, such as Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Stylist & Editor, Holli Rogers, Chief Brand Officer, Farfetch, Sinéad Burke, Educator and Advocate, Sara Sozzani Maino, Head of Vogue Talents, Deputy Director Vogue Italia & Int Brand, Shaway Yeh, Founder YehYehYeh and Group Style Editorial Director Modern Media Group and Tim Blanks, Editor-at-Large, Business of Fashion.

Awards

The seven finalists will present a Merino wool collection for Autumn/Winter 2022 highlighting transparency throughout their supply chain and, alongside partner Common Objective, will build a sustainability roadmap. The winners will be selected by a prestigious panel of industry experts, to be announced, in April 2022.

One finalist will be awarded the International Woolmark Prize and receive AU$200,000 to invest in the development of their business. The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation will be awarded to another finalist, with the winner receiving AU$100,000. The Woolmark Supply Chain Award will also be presented, celebrating outstanding contribution from a trade partner driving wool supply chain innovation.

All finalists will have the opportunity to be stocked at some of the world’s leading stores, via the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network.

This year’s International Woolmark Prize finalists join revered alumni, including Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Gabriela Hearst, Emily Bode Aujla, Richard Malone, Angel Chen, Rahul Mishra and, most recently, Matty Bovan.

The Innovation Academy

The Woolmark Company has also announced this year's Innovation Academy partners: Tilting the Lens, Common Objective, Queen of Raw, Aquapak and Close to Clothes. The program boasts a global network of over 47 progressive international supply chain partners including Byborre, D-House, Knitwear Lab and studio. The Innovation Academy supports finalists with early-stage investment, product research and development, mentoring, networking and commerce, providing unparalleled insights and support to grow a sustainable business.