The International Woolmark Prize, a prestigious award for talented fashion designers around the globe that showcases the beauty and versatility of Merino wool, is returning to the UAE again this year, with the regional finals (involvEsquire‘s distinguished Fashion Editor, Daniel Higgins, has been selected as a member of the esteemed judging panel.
Each of the 65 global nominees has received approximately Dhs5,500 to assist in the development of their submission piece, ahead of the regional finals. In addition, each regional menswear and womenswear winner will receive more than Dhs194,000 to go towards their final collection.
This year, the overall prize money for the International Woolmark Prize has been increased to Dhs556,000 (which, just for the record, equates to the worth of roughly 500 sheep) to further support emerging design talent. The Woolmark Company also intends to reward the hard-working textile mills who have assisted in the developing of innovative wool fabric and yarn via the introduction of an additional ‘Innovation Award’.
The Woolmark Company’s Managing Director Stuart McCullough recently spoke out regarding the importance of this award to the Middle East, stating: “The event will shine the spotlight on the impressive growth of luxury retail in Dubai and the emergence of new designer talent from the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries. It will also provide the talent with a global exposure within the fashion industry and the importance to reach a new consumer.”
The nominees for this year’s menswear award include:
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Antar-Agni – India
Antar-Agni by Ujjawal Dubey was launched in 2014, as part of the Gennext category at Lakme Fashion Week. Ujjawal believes that each specific fabric has its own sense of character waiting to be explored and his label Antar-Agni reflects this belief. His role is merely one of a wool interpreter, as Dubey focuses on helping the fabric speak its own language by creating raw and natural pieces.
The Antar-Agni man is an individual who carries a strong and admirable aura around him. The brand believes in departing from conventional style, leaving an influential impact on the present.
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Theorem – India
Theorem is the brainchild of designer Nitin Chawla. Storytelling and expression are the two tools of his design philosophy that give greater a purpose to his products beyond pure utilitarian purposes.
He focuses on the powerful contrasts between natural and man-made materials, allowing the creation of something new as a result. Meticulous attention to detail and sharp tailoring are the key features of Theorem’s garments, appealing to today’s modern clients who have a more unique and a personal style. Chawla’s diversity is his strength.
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Varoin Marwah – Dubai
Dubai-based label Varoin Marwah epitomises minimalism and simplicity, with clean lines and meticulous attention to detail. Marwah subtly draws inspiration from his Indian roots to craft artisanal and imperial attire that stands apart due to its faultlessly clean lines, careful detailing, and internationally appealing silhouettes.
Launching at the International Indian Film Awards Dubai Celebrations, Varoin Marwah paved its way into the international market by opening the show at the Cayman Islands Fashion Week and has recently been elected Part of Dubai’s Fashion Forward (FFWD) 2016.
Wearability, durability and quality are the three most important aspects of a Varoin Marwah creation.
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Dhruv Kapoor – India
Since its launch in 2013, Dhruv Kapoor has been a private territory of self-expression and a creative playground, where refined experimentalism and couture come together unexpectedly. The Kapoor brand draws on diverse inspirations, cultural references, with a twist of modernity to top it off. The collections are defined by Kapoor’s multidisciplinary approach by juxtaposing design and attention to detail, with an emphasis on tailoring and an eclectic use of materials including custom-developed fabrics.
A graduate of Istituto Marangoni, creative director Dhruv Kapoor previously worked under ETRO before branching off to start his own eponymous label.
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