Woolmark Prize announces British Isles winners

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jul 6, 2016

Womenswear designer Faustine Steinmetz and menswear brand Cottweiler have been announced as the winners of the of the International Woolmark Prize British Isles regional final.

They were selected among a line-up of top emerging designer brands for their work with Merino wool fibre and display of commercial sensibility. “They both appear to have the ability to turn their designs and Merino wool into successful retail collections,” said Dylan Jones, OBE, Editor of British GQ.

The British Isles final was held at the Australian High Commission in London. The panel of judges included Topman Creative Director, Gordon Richardson; Fashion Designer, Roksanda Ilincic; Dylan Jones, OBE, Editor British GQ; Emily Sheffield, Deputy Editor, British Vogue; Anita Barr, Group Fashion Buying Director, Harvey Nichols; Simon Chilvers, Men’s Style Director,Matchesfashion.com; and Bridget Cosgrave, Fashion and Buying Director, Boutique 1 Group.

Cottweiler’s winning look was created in collaboration with an Italian mill that specialises in technical, high performance sportswear, while Faustine Steinmetz worked with the raw Merino wool fibre, carding and dyeing it in different shades of indigo before felting it onto a Merino base fabric. 

“Faustine showed incredible creativity and an almost couture-like technique with her approach to the look and the wool fibre,” commented Roksanda Ilincic. 

The womenswear designer and Cottweiler’s Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty will receive financial contribution of AU$50,000 (approximately £28,617), mentoring support and a Woolmark licence.

The winners will also represent the British Isles in the prestigious international final, which is to be held during London Collections Men for menswear and in Paris in January 2017 for womenswear.