Woolmark has announced the finalists for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize and has also named announce IB Kamara as Guest Artistic Director for the 2025 programme. 

The finalists have been drawn from both Europe and the US and include Italy’s ACT N°1, Duran Lantink from The Netherlands, Ester Manas and Meryll Rogge, both of them from Belgium, London-based Standing Ground, French menswear label LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi, and two US companies, Diotima and Luar.

This marks the first edition of the International Woolmark Prize (which has run for more than years) in its new biennial format.

Woolmark MD John Roberts said: “The prize represents Woolmark’s continued social commitment, a sharing of resources, enduring support of local artisans and mission to lead the industry on a journey to nature positive. These designers are key players in this transformation, and we’re excited to see how their collections unfold.”

Each finalist will receive A$60,000 for the development of a Merino wool collection and will be supported by the programme’s education and mentoring initiative, the Innovation Academy, which includes mentoring from industry leaders.

The finalists will each develop six Merino wool looks either as part of their AW25 collection or as a standalone collection. At least one look will be presented exclusively as part of the prize — “showcasing wool product developments and innovations that pave the way for a more positive future”.

One finalist will be awarded the International Woolmark Prize and receive the increased prize fund of A$300,000 to invest in the development of their business.

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

As announced earlier, as part of the whole prize process, the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation will now be expanded to an industry-wide award, “presented to any fashion brand that has pushed the boundaries of wool innovation”. 

Woolmark also said earlier that the Supply Chain Award will be presented to a member of the supply chain “who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing sustainable practices”.

As for the new Guest Artistic Director for the 2025 final event, IB Kamara is “best-known for his seamless understanding of style, image and the power of pop culture whilst championing inclusivity in fashion. Serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Dazed and Creative Director for Off-White, Kamara is one of the most exciting and innovative figures in the industry and his artistic direction will support the award in continuing to breakdown borders and barriers”.