4 July 2008, Sydney - MME
Sonia Rykiel, Patron of The Woolmark Prize, today announced Qiu Hao from China
will now join design greats Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Donna Karan,
Ralph Lauren, Romeo Gigli, Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani in the
Woolmark hall of fame, as the 2008 winner of the inaugural Woolmark Prize.
The
original wool awards were held between 1954–1992 by the International Wool
Secretariat (IWS). The Woolmark Prize takes up where IWS left off, upholding
the original foundations on which the award was built: excellence, innovation
and distinction. The aim of today’s prize is to underscore the importance of
Merino wool to the fashion world by recognising, rewarding and showcasing
emerging talents and cutting-edge creativity that emphasises the sensual, sculptural
aspects of knit.
Before
attending Central Saint Martins College, London, 30 year old Shanghai designer
Qiu Hao graduated in interior design at Suzhou University. Since his 2006
debut, Qiu Hao has consistently supplied razor sharp tailoring and smooth
deconstruction in a largely monochromatic colour palette. Each collection is
balanced by a measure of softness; a curve, a texture, a physical motion that
eschews the obvious.
“It
is with great pleasure that Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) once again bring
the honour and prestige of such an international prize to assist emerging
talent so that they may occupy a solid place in the global apparel industry,”
said Mr Craig Welsh, CEO. Australian Wool Innovation. “We see the Woolmark
Prize as an opportunity to support the future of design and at the same time,
showcase to the world Australian Merino wool at its best and most innovative,”
said Mr Welsh.
As
the winner of the 2008 prize Qiu Hao will receive industry support to the value
of €100,000 ($163,000) which is invaluable to an emerging designer. AWI will
provide aid and expertise in sourcing material, production, presentation and
promotion of a collection. High end Paris boutique, Colette, has agreed to
carry exclusive stock of a limited edition garment.
U.S.
Vogue Fashion News Feature Director Sally Singer, global fashion expert and
2008 awards judge, said “It’s a wonderful time to relaunch The Woolmark Prize;
the list of finalists were exceptional and reflects the innovation and rigor
that a new generation of designers is investing in their work. Artisanal work
in fashion is always going to be synonymous with knitwear and it’s the time to
buy luxurious things that are made and designed with care.”
The
Woolmark Prize represents the first of many AWI initiatives focused on
enhancing the presence and value of the Woolmark portfolio. Over the next three
years AWI will invest over €75.000,000 in relaunching and repositioning the
Woolmark brand and establishing Australian Merino wool as one of the most
exciting fibres available today, unique for its natural, biodegradable and
sustainable qualities.
Entries
for 2009 Woolmark Prize will open in October 2008. For more information visit: www.woolmark.com/prize.
Source: media@woolinnovation.com
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