MILAN, APRIL 2:
Duran Lantink from the Netherlands has been announced as the winner of the 2025 International Woolmark Prize. Pieter Mulier and Südwolle Group were also announced the winners of the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation and Supply Chain Award, respectively, at an event held in Milan. Lantink will receive AU$300,000 to invest in the development of their business as well as ongoing support from the industry and Woolmark Prize retail partners.
An expert panel of judges chaired by Donatella Versace and including IB Kamara, Law Roach, Alessandro Sartorti, Tim Blanks, Sinéad Burke, Honey Dijon, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Simone Marchetti, Roopal Patel and Danielle Goldberg selected the winner of the International Woolmark Prize.
Donatella Versace said, “We are in a moment when we need to feel better. Duran makes us feel that. His collection is a wonderful combination of respect for the fibre and a joyful sense of the future.”
For more than 70 years, the International Woolmark Prize has celebrated the beauty and versatility of Merino wool whilst evolving to equip finalists with the tools to drive sustainable growth through innovation and industry mentorship across all areas of business.
The 2025 International Woolmark Prize, artistically directed by IB Kamara, was centred around the sun, celebrating the heart of nature and life and symbolising energy, renewal, and connection to the world around us. The theme reflects Woolmark’s mission to celebrate Merino wool as a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre and to challenge the finalists to develop innovative, future-focused wool collections.
The immersive showroom was held at Palazzo del Ghiaccio and included an award ceremony hosted by Italian actress Mariasole Pollio followed by a performance by Azekel.
Duran Lantink awarded the 2025 International Woolmark Prize
Duran Lantink is a fashion designer based between Amsterdam and Paris, his namesake label was founded in 2019 and is known for its ever-evolving, conscious collections. In a process that fuses pre-loved pieces, deadstock, and new sustainable materials, his garments have captured the zeitgeist.
Lantink impressed the judges with his ability to use Merino wool to reinterpret traditional knitting techniques in a truly modern way. The designer incorporated 3D reconstructed knitwear while including historical Dutch knitting techniques and the use of recycled army sweaters, combining with innovative woven check patterns, merging sustainability with craftsmanship.
Duran Lantink said, “I feel very honoured to receive this award and I’m just so happy because we worked so hard with so many collaborators and it’s just really great to get this recognition.”
Pieter Mulier awarded the 2025 Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation
The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation has evolved to be presented to any brand or individual within the fashion industry who has pushed the boundaries of Merino wool innovation. Pieter Mulier is the inaugural winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation in this new format, selected for his innovative and continued use of Merino wool.
The Alaïa Creative Director's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship was exemplified with Alaïa’s Summer Fall 2024 One Yarn collection. The entire collection was crafted using a single Merino wool yarn, developed across the space of a year in close collaboration with the Maison's long-standing textile and knitwear suppliers. Mulier challenged the team to continuously reimagine the yarn, transforming it not only into classic tailoring fabrics and knits but also into unexpected textures - fluffed up Merino wool fur, densely packed chenille, woven into delicate organza, and blended with nylon for outerwear. Every possible variation was explored, including some that defied expectations, showcasing the innovative nature and versatility of Merino wool.
"I am so honoured and happy to receive the inaugural Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation.” says Mulier. “At Alaïa, wool plays an important role in the search for innovation and modernity. In my Summer Fall 2024 collection, one single yarn was used as a full concept, pushing how the richness of wool can be translated in all shapes, sizes, textures and forms. Thank you so much, this truly means the world to us."
Südwolle Group receives the 2025 Supply Chain Award
Südwolle Group was presented the Supply Chain Award for its continual commitment and dedication to innovation and product development, meeting customer needs and supporting the wool industry. In particular, Südwolle Group’s innovation in both fashion-forward luxury and high performance wool yarns plus sustainability commitments make it a world leader in the textiles industry.
"We feel very honoured and proud; this prize confirms that our mindset of viewing the supply chain holistically and collaboratively is seen and appreciated," explains Südwolle Group Chief Sales Officer, Stéphane Thouvay. "As ambassadors for wool we actively promote this fantastic fibre—through our global yarn production network, and our strong partnerships with manufacturers, brands and designers across diverse industries."
“We keep investing and exploring new techniques and possibilities, with the development of new technologies, or the creation of new blends with other fibres, to enhance wool’s properties."
The Südwebs Innovation Hub is the creative voice of Südwolle Group, dedicated to unlocking wool’s full potential. As a platform for innovation, it inspires designers, brands, and manufacturers in a B2B environment by exploring what wool can achieve. From sparking fresh ideas to refining concepts for the market, the Hub is a catalyst for progress and collaboration.
"More than a think tank, the hub connects ideas, people, and technologies and gives easy-access to ready-to-wear samples—allowing users to touch and experience the real outcome. Beyond inspiring, innovating, and collaborating, we also offer full transparency about all supply chain partners involved."
Woolmark is pleased to have the support of this year's Innovation Academy partners: Tilting the Lens, Common Objective, The Mills Fabrica, Gruppo Florence, BYBORRE, D-House, Knitwear Lab, Laxtons, Eva x Carola, studioe®, Queen of Raw and Close to Clothes as well as official hotel partner Portrait Milano, hair partner Mr.Smith, and makeup partner NARS.
The program also boasts a global network of more than 50 progressive international supply chain partners and retail partners including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Browns, Lane Crawford, MODES, McMullen, Boon The Shop, MyTheresa, Net-A-Porter, MR PORTER, Selfridges.
Event images are available here for download.
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About Woolmark
Woolmark stands as the global authority on wool. Through extensive industry relationships, it promotes wool as the ultimate natural fibre and premier ingredient in premium textile products. The Woolmark Logo is one of the most recognised and respected brands, representing quality and pioneering excellence from farm to finished product.