Wool’s worth: Gabriela Hearst and Cottweiler awarded the 2017 Woolmark Prize
Yesterday evening, the Palais de Tokyo in Paris saw the Uruguay-born, New York-based womenswear designer Gabriela Hearst, and Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty of London menswear label Cottweiler announced as recipients of the 2017 Woolmark Prize.
Famed for propelling then 18-year-old Yves Saint Laurent and 21-year-old Karl Lagerfeld into stardom in 1954, a year after its launch, the Woolmark Prize was founded to celebrate fashion designers embracing the creative possibilities of Merino wool.
Hearst and Cottweiler were crowned the winners out of 12 global finalists, including Indian menswear label Bounipun and the Indonesian women’s brand Toton. Each will receive AU$100,000 to support the development of their business, and have the opportunity to see their winning collections stocked in prestigious boutiques and department stores the world over.
‘We asked “What is the prize for?”’ said Michael Hadida, a member of the menswear jury, and director of development and men’s buyer at the Paris- and LA-based boutique L'Eclaireur. ‘It's about creativity and authenticity, and we all agreed that Cottweiler is what people need right now. I love their energy, and they have great potential.’ Picked by a panel also including industry stalwarts Michèle Lamy, Imran Amed and Hood by Air designer Shayne Oliver, Cottweiler’s sportswear-focused winning collection featured its signature running caps and cross-body pouches, plus quilted waterproof outerwear created from 18.5 and 19.5 micron wool-blend fabrics, and insulating recycled wool scraps.
Of womenswear winner Hearst, Bouchra Jarrar, Lanvin's creative director, said: ‘There were a lot of candidates at the same level, but Hearst is already very professional. I loved the way [she] presented her work.’ The jury also featured Victoria Beckham, Natalie Massenet and Vogue Germany’s Christiane Arp, and Hearst’s winning collection included reversible puffer-vests, one-piece long johns and unusual wool felt fabrications created from 21.5 micron wool. The designer, who grew up on the family sheep farm, is herself a sixth generation wool producer, and uses wool from her farm in Uruguay across her elegant and streamlined creations.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Woolmark Prize website, the Gabriela Hearst website, and the Cottweiler website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Maude’s Brâncuși-inspired sex toys go on display in a new Paris exhibition
Maude’s design-led vibrators are now on display at Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, as part of ‘Private Lives: From the Bedroom to Social Media’. Brand founder Éva Goicochea talks to Wallpaper* about partnering with the museum and opening up cultural conversations around sex
By India Birgitta Jarvis Published
-
‘I was captivated by the idea of merging two iconic brands’: Nigo on his 1990s-inspired collaboration with Moncler and Mercedes-Benz
Unveiled at Moncler’s ‘The City of Genius’ event in Shanghai this past weekend, Japanese fashion designer Nigo unpacks his three-way collaboration with Moncler and Mercedes-Benz, which includes a play on the G-Class alongside a fashion collection in his eclectic style
By Jack Moss Published
-
Cathay Pacific’s new business class Aria Suites take flight
Cathay Pacific raises the bar for business-class travel with the launch of the much-anticipated Aria Suites
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Solange and St Heron celebrate finalists of International Woolmark Prize 2021
Solange Knowles and her creative agency make a film, Passage, showcasing the fashion designs of the six finalists of the International Woolmark Prize 2021 – the winner of which will be announced on 10 June 2021
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Richard Malone wins International Woolmark Prize 2020
The International Woolmark Prize has announced the winner of its 2020 edition. Celebrating designers working with Merino wool, the award asks fashion talents to outline their commitment to sustainable practices
By Dal Chodha Last updated
-
Edward Crutchley and Colovos scoop International Woolmark Prize 2019
By Dal Chodha Last updated
-
Matthew Miller, Bodice and DYNE win the International Woolmark Prize 2018
By Dal Chodha Last updated
-
Take it slow: LA trainer brand No One on setting its own pace
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Rahul Mishra wins the 2014 International Woolmark Prize
By JJ Martin Last updated
-
Christian Wijnants wins the 2013 International Woolmark Prize, London
By George Ghon Last updated