The International Woolmark Prize has announced its regional finalists - and significantly enhanced the cash prize.
The nominees for Australia and New Zealand are:
Menswear: AMXANDER - Australia (pictured); Chris Ran Lin – Australia; and BLAIRARCHIBALD - Australia.
Womenswear: Elissa McGowan – Australia; Harman Grubiša – New Zealand; and Thomas Puttick – Australia.
Each of the 65 global nominees will receive AU$2000 to assist in the development of their submission piece, ahead of the regional finals to be held in Dubai, London, Milan, New York, Seoul and Sydney throughout July.
In addition, each regional menswear and womenswear winner will this year receive AU$70,000 to go towards their final collection.
Prize money for the two eventual winners has also increased, with the global menswear and womenswear winner each receiving AU$200,000.
The Woolmark Company MD Stuart McCullough said the changes have been made in response to industry demand.
“Due to increasing pressures on young designers, we have restructured our program spend with a greater focus on the design talent and our partners.
“Each year, I am truly amazed with what our finalists present to the judges.
"Just when you may think you’ve seen it all, along comes an exciting new fabric or innovative new yarn, and that’s why we have established the Innovation Award.
"It not only keeps competition fierce but it also allows for our prestigious trade partners to get global recognition and ultimately increases the market share of wool.”
The restructure of the award also recognises textile mills assisting in developing new wool fabric and yarn, with the introduction of an Innovation Award.
The newly introduced Innovation Award has been created to celebrate the most unique and creative fabric or yarn development from a finalist.
The winner of the Innovation Award will be granted AU$100,000 as well as being presented with commercial opportunities.
The textile mill responsible for the exciting development will also be promoted via The Woolmark Company’s global trade promotional program.