Last year’s International Woolmark Competition India carved a strong niche this year’s competition. In 2012, the title was won by the designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi, while this year saw Rahul Mishra taking the trophy + cash prize + opportunity to compete for a show at Milan 2014. Check out the previous year’s Woolmark competition HERE.

Rahul Misra was announced as the winner of the India & Middle East selection for the 2013/14 International Woolmark Prize, during the award event held at the beautiful Leela Hotel in India.

A judging panel comprising of local and International industry experts including Peter Ackroyd – President, International Wool Trade organisation, Imran Amed – Founder, The Business of Fashion, Martin Grant – Designer, Simon Lock – CEO of The Lock Group, Manish Arora – Designer and Sunil Sethi, President of FDCI, selected the winner.

Rahul Misra was awarded for the stunning wool outfit which presented the idea that seeks to portray the journey of human race and the process of metamorphosis that our planet has undergone in the last century. The winning garment displayed progressive graphic hand embroidery with merino wool yarn on merino wool jacket dress. The graphic originates from petal lotus to morph into compleax structures

Chosen amongst the 10 most promising talents coming from India and the Middle East, the winner gains a financial contribution of $50,000 AUD, plus the opportunity to compete in the International competition, representing India and the Middle East at the grand final event, taking place in Milan in February 2014.

For the next six months the designer will be required to develop a capsule collection in Merino wool, to be showcased during an extraordinary event which will showcase the five finalists which will be selected from across the globe.

This  designer will compete for the final international prize – an additional $100,000 AUD and the opportunity to be stocked in the most important retailers of the world including Harvey Nichols – London, Saks Fifth Avenue – NY, 10 Corso Como – Milan, Joyce – China, David Jones – Sydney and My Theresa – Germany and online.