With previous winners including a young Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent, this year’s Woolmark Prize finalists include A-COLD-WALL*, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Feng Chen Wang, and others. Recognising designers who use Merino wool in their clothing, this year’s award has a focus on sustainability. 

British designer, Samuel Ross of A-COLD-WALL*, said it “feels great” to be recognised by the institution. He went on to say he is committed to making “sustainable packaging, organic and vegetable-based dyeing” which have been implemented into the brand's collection, as well as “moving to more sustainable, recycled nylons.” 

“It’s always encouraging to have the recognition of such an important organisation such as The Woolmark Company, and all the people who are involved,” Ludovic de Saint Sernin said in a statement. “As a young brand, it is essential that I have that kind of support in order to drive my business forward and take the brand to the next level.”

Celebrating rising fashion talent, the winner of the prestigious award will receive AU$200,000. Finalist collections will also be available for commercialisation in September 2020 via the International Woolmark Prize retail network.

See the full list of finalists below. 

A-Cold-Wall*, United Kingdom 

BLINDNESS, Korea 

Bode, USA 

Botter, The Netherlands 

Feng Chen Wang, United Kingdom/China 

GmbH, Germany 

Ludovic de Saint Sernin, France 

Matthew Adams Dolan, USA 

Namacheko, Sweden 

Richard Malone, Ireland/UK