European designer Christian Wijnants has scooped the 2013 International Woolmark Prize, trumping hot Australian favourite Dion Lee.
The final award ceremony took place over the weekend at London's ME Hotel, where Wijnants was handed top honours after a global search spanning twelve months.
Lee was among six global finalists representing Australia, China, Europe, India, Japan and the USA.
British Fashion Council chairman Natalie Massenet opened the prestigious event, which was judged by Victoria Beckham, Donatella Versace, Diane von Furstenberg, Franca Sozzani and Tim Blanks.
Vogue Italia and L'Uomo Vogue editor-in-chief Sozzani praised Wijnants technical abilities.
“Christian invented a new shape and made it possible with an industrial production process. His designs are flattering, feminine and sexy, a modern interpretation of wool.”
Wijnants capsule Merino wool collection was based on the idea of starting from a single white yarn and exploring its potential.
The designer worked with one type of yarn in 100 per cent Merino wool, on seamless garments, knitted in one piece.
Garments featured hand-knitting and hand-dyeing techniques; some of them were unravelled and then reknitted to create a unique, irregular effect.
The collection featured deep colours inspired by crystals and minerals
The final prize included AUD$100,000 and the opportunity to be stocked across retail partners Harvey Nichols (London), Bergdorf Goodman (NY), Corso Como (Milan), Joyce (China), David Jones (Sydney) and Eickhoff Konigsallee (Germany).
Wijnants collection will be available in partner retailers from September 2013.
Home page: Dion Lee. Above: Christian Wijnants.
