MILAN — Woolmark on Tuesday revealed the winners of the European regional awards for the International Woolmark Prize.
Danish label Tonsure and German designer Tim Labenda took the prizes in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. Both Tonsure and Labenda received a cash prize of 50,000 Australian dollars, or about $36,990 at current exchange rate.
Cofounded by Malte Flagstad, who cut his teeth at Maison Martin Margiela, and Adam El-Zayat Hjorth, Tonsure was lunched with the fall 2014 season and was immediately picked up as an exclusive by United Arrows. The designer duo presented a layered look, featuring an oversize peacoat worn over an elongated vest crafted from embossed cotton fleece, which was also used for the relaxed cuffed pants.
“It’s quite overwhelming,” exclaimed Flagstad. “We are looking forward to London. It will be exciting,” he added, referring to the international final to be held in January during the men’s shows in London.
The women’s winner, Labenda, who established his namesake women’s wear label in 2013, showcased a chubby, furry wool jacket embellished with shimmering embroideries.
“I’m really honored to win this challenge,” Labenda said. “I’m happy to represent Europe in the final.”
The winner of the International Woolmark Prize in the women’s wear category will be revealed next January in Paris.
The other finalists of the European regional competition included Cockerel, Etienne Deroeux, Giuseppe di Morabito, Gülçin Çengel, Kimstumpf, Leandro Cano, Nicholas Nybro, Peet Dullaert and Roshi Porkar, who all competed in the women’s wear category. Men’s wear finalists included Benanbal, Brachmann, Devon Halfnight Leflufy, Evan Menswear, Luca Larenza, Mareunrol’s, Matières Paris, Mirka Horká and Pablo Erroz.