Joseph Altuzarra has been announced as the International Woolmark Prize USA winner, with the Australian leg just around the corner.
The award ceremony was staged overnight at Industria in New York.
Altuzarra was awarded for a three piece wool outfit, which included wool shoes.
The seven-man judging panel included designer Alexander Wang; Saks Fifth Avenue senior fashion director Colleen Sherin; Calvin Klein EVP of global communications Malcolm Carfrae and; W editor-in-chief Stefano Tonchi.
Altuzarra scored a financial contribution of $100,000 AUD and will represent the US in the grand finale, taking place in Milan in February 2014.
Five global finalists will compete for the top honour, with the Australian regional winner set to be unveiled later this month.
These designers will compete for a further $100,000 AUD and distribution across the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue, 10 Corso Como, David Jones and Harvey Nichols.