Dion Lee has been announced as the winner for the International Woolmark Prize Australian regional Award.
The Woolmark Company relaunched the International Woolmark Prize this year to help promote outstanding design talent from around the world, and through its design innovations inspire and educate consumers on the natural beauty of Merino wool.
Six of the most talented Australian designers vied for the award today including Ellery, Christopher Esber, Magdelena Velevska, Carl Kapp and Song for the Mute.
Dion Lee was selected as the winner by several iconic industry figures Edwina McCann (Editor-in-Chief Vogue Australia), Richard Nicholl (Designer), Simon P Lock (Founder of Australian Fashion Week) Malcolm Carfrae, (Global Vice President of Communications for Calvin Klein), David Bush (Buyer Womenswear David Jones).
“The International Woolmark Prize has generated worldwide attention as more partners, retailers and media align themselves and their brands to help promote the outstanding talent that has been sourced from around the world,” explained Stuart McCullough, CEO of Australian Wool Innovation, owners of The Woolmark Company.
“It has been a tough decision today and we look forward to supporting and working with Dion in the lead up to the finals in February where they have the chance to be awarded with the once in a lifetime opportunities that are on offer for the winner of the International Woolmark Prize .”
Dion Lee has received a financial grant and will travel to London courtesy of The Woolmark Company to London Fashion Week in February 2013 where they will present an entire capsule collection of Australian Merino wool and an international winner will be selected.
The international winner will have his/her designs stocked by leading global retailers including Bergdorf Goodman in the USA, Harvey Nichols in the UK, 10 Corso Como in Italy, Joyce in China, Eickoff in Germany and David Jones in Australia.
Congratuations and best of luck to Dion Lee!
