M.Patmos wins International Woolmark Prize

American designer label M.Patmos helmed by Marcia Patmos was announced the winner of the International Woolmark Prize for womenswear this week at the award’s event in Beijing, China.

New York-based Patmos competed against four other labels, Vmajor from China, Strateas. Carlucci from Australia, Augustin Teboul from Germany and Bird on a Wire from Lebanon. Patmos’ win means that American designers claimed the clean sweep following New York-based Public School winning the menswear award in January.

The competition, held to promote the benefits of working with Australian merino wool, reached 21 countries and involved more than 60 designers, with 5 designers chosen for final competitions in both menswear and womenswear.

The womenswear prize was judged by a panel including Victoria Beckham, Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, Angelica Cheung, editor-in-chief of Vogue China, and representatives from retailers and brands including Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Commenting on Patmos’ win, Beckham said: “The International Woolmark Prize gives emerging talent from wherever they are an incredible opportunity. I felt that Patmos embodied best what the IWP stands for. The collection was well executed and the concept interesting.”

American designer Marcia Patmos scoops Woolmark Prize

Patmos showcased a utilitarian/streetwear collection featuring earth-tone pieces including boxy sweaters, knitted leggings, boxy pants, long coats and shawls detailed with chunky fringe, as well as wool-covered Nike trainers.

“Thank you to The Woolmark Company for creating this great platform to support emerging designers,” said Patmos on her big win. “I am looking forward to seeing what happens as a result of this new opportunity.”

As winner she will receive 100,000 Australian dollars, and the opportunity to have her collection stocked at retailers such as Harvey Nichols, 10 Corso Como in Italy, Saks Fifth Avenue in the US, Joyce in Hong Kong, David Jones in Australia, and online at Mytheresa.com.

Next year’s International Woolmark Prize womenswear competition will be held in New York, a decision on where the menswear competition will be held has not been made.

Images: M.Patmos for Woolmark