Designer Rahul Mishra wins 2013-2014 International Woolmark Prize

Ace fashion designer Rahul Mishra was announced the winner of the 2013/2014 International Woolmark Prize (IWP), during the final awards event held at the Triennale Museum, Milan.

An esteemed judging panel including Frida Giannini, Franca Sozzani, Tim Blanks, Colette Garnsey, Angelica Cheung, Alexa Chung and representatives from the global IWP retail partners, selected Rahul Mishra – representing India and the Middle East - as the winner.

After a global search, reaching across 20 countries and involving over 48 designers, five talents reached the final round:  ffiXXed, for Asia; Christopher Esber, representing Australia; Sibling, for Europe, Rahul Mishra, India and Middle East; and Altuzarra, for the USA.

Alongside prestigious recognition, the winner receives a financial contribution of AU$100,000 and the opportunity to be stocked in the most important retailers around the globe including Harvey Nichols, Saks Fifth Avenue, 10 Corso Como, Joyce, David Jones, Colette and mytheresa.com.

Mr Sunil Sethi, President FDCI said, “I congratulate Rahul on winning the International Woolmark prize, and it is indeed a proud moment for FDCI and India. Winning this prize has not come easy with the stiff competition from designers from all over the world.

FDCI has partnered with The Woolmark Company since its inception in India and has been responsible in the selection of the India representative and I thank The Woolmark Company and the Australian High Commission for making this initiative a grand success”; he adds.

Rahul Mishra’ the winner of India and Middle East regional rounds of IWP was awarded for craftsmanship and embroidery in his collection titled The Lotus Effect. It presented the idea that seeks to portray the journey of the human race and the process of metamorphosis that our planet has undergone in the past century. The 6 winning garment displayed progressive graphics, originating from an eight petal lotus to morph into complex structures inspired by european artist M.C Escher. Rahuls ability to intricately use embroideries through wool, one of the most versatile fibres, with originality in an unexpected way, was what won him the coveted international prize.

Rahul Mishra’s Merino wool collection, that won the prestigious award, was based on craftsmanship and his incredible knowledge of techniques and embroidery.

The designer declared: “I feel like this is a dream and this is giving me new hopes for my future career. This award will change the perception of global fashion in regards to Indian fashion and this is all because wool - an amazing fibre, the fibre of possibilities.”