Earlier today, CFDA Member Gabriela Hearst beat out the competition from six different regions around the world and was crowned the winner of the womenswear 2016/2017 International Woolmark Prize.
She was presented the honor during an event at Palais de Tokyo in Paris.
The Uruguay-born, New York-based designer created a collection of pieces, including trench coats, an evening dress, and a baseball jacket. Each look incorporated wool in innovative ways and with a high quality execution, whether it’s in an adjoining scarf or one-piece long johns.
“From a personal perspective I wish my grandfather and father were here,” said Hearst, who grew up on a sheep farm, after the win. “As a designer, it’s a huge honor to be recognized and I cannot wait to promote more Merino wool in the world as I believe it is the yarn of future.”
The women jury panel featured Lou Doillon, Miroslava Duma, Julie Gilhart, Bouchra Jarrar, Vogue Germany Editor-in-Chief Christiane Arp and The Woolmark Company Managing Director Stuart McCullough, among others.
Juror Victoria Beckham called Hearst “the worthy winner. I love what she does and she’s clearly very talented. I like her eye, she has great product and she’s a strong woman. I have a huge amount of respect for her. I’m proud and honored to get involved in this and help make this possible for her.”
Dame Natalie Massenet DBE, the British Fashion Council Chair, also served on the womenswear jury. “We picked Gabriela because we thought she struck a chord on every level: a passion for wool, its history, and the varied uses of wool,” Massenet noted. “I learned a lot hearing her talking about the processes and the fact wool doesn’t wrinkle. She did a very good job of showing high-low, from evening gowns through to trench coats and pant suits and we feel that she will have an enormous future and will be great spokesperson for wool.”
Cottweiler, representing the British Isles, won for menswear.
Each winner will receive AU$100,000, or $75,730 at current exchange rate, to help develop their business, alongside ongoing industry mentor support, Woolmark certification and the opportunity to be sold in several upscale department and specialty stores worldwide, including Boutique 1, Boon the Shop, David Jones, Harvey Nichols, Hudson’s Bay Company and mytheresa.com.
Pictured: A Gabriela Hearst look for the Woolmark Prize.
