Earlier this week, the industry gathered to toast the winner of the Australian regional final for the 2013 International Woolmark Prize.
The event, held at The Sydney Theatre Company building at Walsh Bay, saw Sydney-based designer Christopher Esber crowned the winner of the 2013 Australian regional final of The International Woolmark Prize.
Esber, who was also a finalist in the Australian Wool Innovators, Woolmark Prize for 2012, took out the title this year for his two-piece, black and cream, wool jumpsuit, which displayed clean construction and sharp tailoring.
Esber competed against seven of Australia's best young designers to win the Australian leg of the international award, including Michael Lo Sordo, Alaistair Trung, Haryono Setiadi, Kahlo and Strateas Carlucci.
He will now take home a $50,000 cash prize and will also go on to represent Australia at the international finals in February in Milan, where winners from India, China, Europe and America will compete for the prestigious title and a $100,000 prize.
In addition, the global winner will also have their clothes stocked at some of the world's largest department stores, including: Harvey Nichols (UK), Bergdorf Goodman (US) and Joyce (China).
The International Woolmark Prize recognises fashion design excellence using Australian merino wool and has served as a platform for emerging talent for almost 50 years.