Marco Rambaldi is the first Italian finalist for the Woolmark Prize

Eight of the world's most promising emerging designers have been selected from hundreds of applications for the International Woolmark Prize 2023 - the authentic and most prestigious fashion award that promotes and supports young talent. The finalists for the International Woolmark Prize 2023 are: from Denmark A. ROEGE HOVE, from France Bluemarble, from Nigeria Lagos Space Program, from South Korea MAXXIJ, from the UK Paolina Russo, from the States RHUDE, from Ireland ROBYN LYNCH and Marco Rambaldi, the first Italian to reach the finals since the contest was relaunched in 2012. The participants gave their own reinterpretation of the theme of dialogue as a fundamental element in the creative process. The theme reflects the mission of The Woolmark Company: to establish a dialogue and connect leading designers with industry players to collectively imagine a more sustainable future.  

Each finalist will receive a grant of AU$60,000 (approximately €38,800) to develop a Merino wool collection and will be supported by the training and mentoring program, which includes mentoring from industry leaders such as Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Global Fashion Editor-at-Large, Vogue and Stylist; Holli Rogers, Chief Brand Officer, Farfetch; Sara Sozzani Maino, Scouting and Educational Initiatives Advisor Vogue Italia & International Brand Ambassador Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana; Shaway Yeh, Founder YehYehYeh and Group Style Editorial Director Modern Media Group; Sinéad Burke, Educator and Advocate; and Tim Blanks, Editor-at-Large, Business of Fashion.

«This group of finalists represents the next generation of revolutionary creatives with the drive to make fashion for a better future» explains John Roberts, Managing Director of The Woolmark Company. «As the fashion and textile industry changes in an ever-evolving landscape, we hope that our support during the course of the International Woolmark Prize will inspire and stimulate the design and business strategies of our eight finalists. I would like to personally congratulate them on behalf of Australia's wool producers and thank the Advisory Council for their assistance in selecting the finalists.»