This week, Australia based “Woolmark Company” has announced its winners of the International Woolmark Prize regional final at the NeueHouse Madison Square. Christopher Bevans, creative director of New York based brand DYNE took home the award for Menswear, while Zaid Affas took home the Womenswear title. Included in the prize is a contribution of $70,000 AUD, along with the opportunity to compete in the international finals. An esteemed panel of industry judges chose the winners, including Stefano Tonchi of W magazine, Steven Kolb of the CFDA, and fashion designer, Thom Browne.
The winner of the international finals will receive $200,000 AUD along with further mentoring by industry gurus and the chance to have their collection distributed through the Woolmark Companies many retail partners around the world.
Judge and brand consultant/strategist, Kate Lanphear, shared her thoughts on menswear winner DYNE. “What I loved was the humble way he spoke about the fabric with reverence — that was something that really got my attention … his pieces were so extremely innovative, yet he still spoke so humbly about them and about wool, it seemed holy, and I really liked that exchange.”