First launched in 1953 by the International Wool Secretariat, the prize rewarded in 1954 Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. Today, the International Woolmark Prize keep recognizing outstanding designers from around the world.

Last April, Modem published an >Article about all the Woolmark Prize’s nominees fort its 2016/17 edition per region.

36 countries were added in this year’s award, including New Zealand, Indonesia and the expansion of the European category. Six regional events has been held during June and July in Hong Kong, Milan, Mumbai, New York, London, and Sydney, determining the womenswear and menswear's brands representing each region.

Nominees had to present one look in Merino wool and a six-piece capsule concept to the fashion industry experts. Winners'll have the chance to represent their region at the final awards.

Here is the list of the winners for each region:

> ASIA FINAL
Womenswear: Toton - Indonesia
Menswear: Münn - Korea

> EUROPE FINAL
Womenswear: Tim Labenda - Germany
Menswear: Tonsure - Denmark

> USA FINAL
Womenswear: Gabriela Hearst
Menswear: Rochambeau

> INDIA, PAKISTAN & MIDDLE EAST FINAL
Womenswear: Nachiket Barve - India
Menswear: Bounipun - India

> AUSTRALIA & NEW ZELAND FINAL
Womenswear: MacGraw - Australia
Menswear: Exinfinitas - Australia

> BRITISH ISLES FINAL
Womenswear: Faustine Steinmetz
Menswear: Cottweiler

Those 12 finalists received an AU$ 50,000 ( 33 000 € ) financial contribution towards their next collection and are invited to participate to the international final.

> Next Step:
Modem will keep you in touch for the final prize's step that will be held in Paris next January, awarding the two big winners in both womenswear and menswear categories. Each winner won't only be granted of AU$100 000, but will also have the opportunity to be stocked in the world's most important retailers and boutiques.

More Info: Woolmark Prize