The second International Woolmark Prize features designers like Aneeth Arora, Rahul Misra and Amit Aggarwal competing for the India regional award on June 20. Team Viva reports
last year, Pankaj and Nidhi rocked the international ramp with a collection featuring Indian crafts and colours, plus a refined application of used wool. The duo represented India at the International Woolmark Prize.
At the Australian High Commission recently, the Woolmark Company announced a second year of the prize. It also declared that regional awards will be held in Asia, Europe, India (and Middle East) and USA. The winner from each place will receive $50,000 towards their next collection, plus an invitation to participate at the international final in Milan next February.
Indian nominees to participate in the India regional segment on. June 20 are 11.11 by CellDSGN, Alpana and Neeraj, Amit Aggarwal, Aneeth Arora, Dev and Nil and Rahul Misra.
Designers from Pakistan, Dubai and lebanon will also participate. “We are required to present sketches of a Merino wool capsule collection, comprising six outfits. A complete outfit must also be included. The collection will be judged by a panel of local and international experts,” informed Rahul Misra, who will create a spring-summer collection in wool.
“I will go to the villages to weave a story about India through wool. Using fabrics for a spring-summer garment will be the challenge. We are known around the world for our cotton and silk. Wool will be the hero of the collection but I will experiment with various techniques,” the designer shared.
Pankaj and Nidhi, who participated at the final round of the International Woolmark Prize last year, competed with five other designers from Australia, China, Belgium, Japan and the US.
They showcased at the event held during london Fashion Week on February 6 this year. But could not make it to the last level. The duo was present during the official announcement and shared, “it was a proud moment and one-of-its-kind experience to present our collection before experts like Victoria Beckham. Winning or losing was not important. Representing India alongside ace designers from other countries, is an honour in itself.”