Duran Lantink Wins Big at the International Woolmark Prize 2025 — Here’s Everything You Missed

From groundbreaking designs to a jury led by Donatella Versace, the International Woolmark Prize 2025 put creativity, sustainability, and Merino wool center stage.

International Woolmark Prize 2025: The eight finalists Credits: Woolmark

Okay, let’s talk fashion — and not just any fashion. We’re talking about the International Woolmark Prize 2025, which just wrapped up in Milan. The vibes were high, the wool was next-level, and Duran Lantink walked away with the top prize. Yep, our fave Dutch designer did that.

Held at the stunning Palazzo del Ghiaccio, the ceremony felt like fashion’s version of the Oscars — but with a sustainable twist. According to Fashion United this prize isn’t just about style; it’s about innovation, responsible production, and showcasing what Merino wool can really do when you put it in the hands of design geniuses.

A creation by Duran Lantink Credits: FashionUnited

Duran Lantink, known for his bold silhouettes and upcycled couture vibes, blew everyone away with his Woolmark Prize collection. Not only did he take home the win (along with $300,000 AUD in prize money to grow his label), but he also scored mentorship and retail support from Woolmark's global partners. So yeah, he’s set.

Duran Lantink and model Woolmark Prize 2025 Credits: FashionUnited

But it wasn’t just Duran stealing the spotlight. Eight insanely talented finalists from around the globe brought their A-game. Names like Act N°1 from Italy, Diotima (U.S.), Ester Manas (Belgium), LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi (France), Luar (U.S.), Meryll Rogge (Belgium), and Standing Ground (UK/Ireland) rounded out the roster. Each one pushing the boundaries of how wool can be used — and making sustainability look really good.

Alaïa FW25. Pieter Mulier, Creative Director of Alaïa, wins the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation Credits: Launchmetrics/spotlight

One cool backstory? Act N°1, the only Italian finalist, was originally co-founded by Galib Gassanof and Luca Lin — but the duo recently split, and now Luca’s steering the ship solo. Their pieces blend cultural identity and personal history in a way that hits different.

Now let’s talk special awards. Pieter Mulier, creative director of Alaïa, snagged the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation — and he earned it. His “One Yarn” collection used just one type of Merino wool yarn for everything: tailoring, knitwear, even faux fur-like textures and organza. The man literally reinvented what one material could become. It took a year of collaboration with Alaïa’s textile team, and it paid off in a big way.

Duran Lantink Woolmark Prize collection 2025 Credits: FashionUnited

Also in the spotlight: Südwolle Group, who won the Supply Chain Award for their commitment to innovation in yarn production. They’re kind of the silent heroes of the wool world, working behind the scenes to make this magical fiber even more versatile. Their global network connects growers, brands, and designers — basically the backbone of the wool industry.

And of course, we have to talk about the jury. Chaired by Donatella Versace (who, fun fact, just moved from Creative Director to Chief Brand Ambassador at Versace), the panel also included Ib Kamara (IWP's Guest Artistic Director), Alessandro Sartori from Zegna, activist and educator Sinéad Burke, and Alessandro Dell'Acqua, the man behind N°21. Basically, a dream team of fashion powerhouses.

Jury members Donatella Versace and Ib Kamara at the Woolmark Prize 2025 Credits: FashionUnited

What made this year’s prize extra special? It wasn’t just about great looks. It was about celebrating the versatility of Merino wool and how it can shape the future of fashion — from zero-waste design to sustainable production and everything in between.

So yeah — Duran Lantink is having a major moment, and we’re all here for it. Can't wait to see what he does next with that prize money.