Adeju Thompson, the Nigerian designer behind Lagos Space Programme, won the 2023 International Woolmark Prize, which was announced at an event in Paris. The winner will receive AU$200,000 (€122,956) to invest in the development of his conceptual non-binary design label.

“This is a life-changing opportunity. It means that things will be easier for me; coming from Nigeria there’s no support. To have recognition from the Woolmark company, wow, I'm so speechless and I’m looking forward to the future," said Adeju Thompson.

“What I loved was the story behind the brand which is so important, and what they’re bringing to light in their community in Nigeria,” said Elizabeth von der Goltz. “They’re crafted beautifully and look like something you could buy in the most luxurious retailers in the world.”

Lagos Space Programme was selected among eight finalists who were put in charge of designing six merino wool looks as part of their fall 2023 collections, or a capsule line that highlights the innate versatility, innovative nature and eco-credentials of merino wool.

While A. Roege Hove, founded by Amalie Røge Hove, won the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation, after impressing the judges with the freshness of her collection and the attention paid to the supply chain and manufacturing process. A. Roege Hove is a conceptual knitwear brand that challenges traditions with a modern and artistic approach to original craftsmanship and an aim for silhouettes to be both effortless and extravagant.

“The way she constructed her collection and the emphasis on development. It felt new to me,” said Pieter Mulier.

“We’ve been talking about how want to invest in innovation and new things in the studio. some of these things were out of reach but something like this makes it really possible. It really means everything,” commented Amalie Røge Hove.

The A. Roege Hove will receive AU$100,000 (€65,000), as well as continued support from industry and retail partners of The Woolmark Prize. Byborre received the Supply chain award. Amsterdam-based textile innovation studio Byborre works on the frontiers of material development, functionality and aesthetics to constantly innovate with engineered knits, pushing the limits of technical performance textiles.

The other finalists were U.S. brand Rhude, South Korean brand Maxxij, Bluemarble from France, Irish men’s brand Robyn Lynch, the Italian designer Marco Rambaldi, and London-based label Paolina Russo.

An expert panel of judges including Alaïa creative director Pieter Mulier; Alessandro Sartori, artistic director of Zegna; Marni creative director Francesco Risso; footwear designer Salehe Bembury; photographer Tyler Mitchell, and Elizabeth von der Goltz, chief executive officer of Browns and chief fashion and merchandising officer of Farfetch selected the winners.

www.woolmarkprize.com