American designer label M.Patmos helmed by Marcia Patmos was announced
the winner of the International Woolmark Prize for womenswear this week at
the award’s event in Beijing, China.
New York-based Patmos competed against four other labels, Vmajor from
China, Strateas. Carlucci from Australia, Augustin Teboul from Germany and
Bird on a Wire from Lebanon. Patmos’ win means that American designers
claimed the clean sweep following New York-based Public School winning the
menswear award in January.
The competition, held to promote the benefits of working with
Australian merino wool, reached 21 countries and involved more than 60
designers, with 5 designers chosen for final competitions in both
menswear and womenswear.
The womenswear prize was judged by a panel including Victoria Beckham,
Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, Angelica Cheung, editor-in-chief of Vogue China, and representatives from retailers and brands
including Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Commenting on Patmos’ win, Beckham said: “The International Woolmark
Prize gives emerging talent from wherever they are an incredible
opportunity. I felt that Patmos embodied best what the IWP stands for. The
collection was well executed and the concept interesting.”
American designer Marcia Patmos scoops Woolmark Prize
Patmos showcased a utilitarian/streetwear collection featuring
earth-tone pieces including boxy sweaters, knitted leggings, boxy pants,
long coats and shawls detailed with chunky fringe, as well as wool-covered
Nike trainers.
“Thank you to The Woolmark Company for creating this great platform to
support emerging designers,” said Patmos on her big win. “I am looking
forward to seeing what happens as a result of this new opportunity.”
As winner she will receive 100,000 Australian dollars, and the
opportunity to have her collection stocked at retailers such as Harvey
Nichols, 10 Corso Como in Italy, Saks Fifth Avenue in the US, Joyce in Hong
Kong, David Jones in Australia, and online at Mytheresa.com.
Next year’s International Woolmark Prize womenswear competition will be
held in New York, a decision on where the menswear competition will be held
has not been made.
Images: M.Patmos for Woolmark
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