.png)
Donatella Versace Leads the 2025 International Woolmark Prize Jury
- Qui Joacin
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
With an all-star panel, Donatella Versace is set to crown the next big name in fashion at the prestigious International Woolmark Prize 2025.
According to WWD, big news in the fashion world—Donatella Versace is taking the reins as the head judge for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize jury! While she’s stepped into her new role as Versace’s chief brand ambassador, she’s not leaving fashion behind. This time, instead of designing, she’ll be spotting the next big talent in the industry.
She’ll be joined by an impressive panel of fashion heavyweights, including:
Alessandro Sartori (Zegna’s artistic director)
Ib Kamara (Off-White’s art and image director)
Law Roach (celebrity stylist & image architect)
Honey Dijon (DJ & fashion icon)
Tim Blanks (fashion journalist)
And many more!
The winner will be announced in Milan on April 2, and they won’t just walk away with bragging rights—they’ll score a massive AU$300,000 prize (about $195,000 USD) to take their brand to the next level!
Meet the Finalists of 2025 International Woolmark Prize Jury
Eight rising designers are in the running, each bringing their own innovative twist to merino wool fashion:
Duran Lantink (Netherlands)
Raul Lopez (Luar, New York)
Rachel Scott (Diotima)
Michael Stewart (Standing Ground, London)
Louis Gabriel Nouchi (Paris)
Luca Lin (Act No.1)
Ester Manas & Balthazar Delepierre (Ester Manas)
Meryll Rogge (former head of design at Dries Van Noten)
Each finalist received AU$60,000 to create a six-look capsule collection showcasing the versatility, innovation, and sustainability of merino wool.
More Than Just a Prize—A Celebration of Sustainability
The International Woolmark Prize has always been about more than just fashion—it’s about pushing boundaries in innovation and sustainability. This year, there are also two additional awards up for grabs:
The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation – honoring designers who revolutionize merino wool use.
The Supply Chain Award – recognizing leaders in sustainable fashion practices.
Past winners of the International Woolmark Prize include fashion legends like Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, and Valentino Garavani. More recently, brands like Bode, Saul Nash, and Matty Bovan have claimed the title.
With Donatella Versace leading the charge, this year’s competition promises to be a game-changer. Who will take home the top prize? We’ll find out soon in Milan!
Comments