Fashion

The 2021 International Woolmark Prize Will Focus on Sustainability and Supply Chain Innovations—Meet the Six Finalists Here

Over the next few months, the designers will create sustainable, traceable collections using Australian merino wool, and each has their own take on what “sustainability” means….

In Nigeria, Ize is dedicated to keeping the Aso Oke weaving tradition alive, and has built workshops that employ and support weavers and their families. “Social impact is of utmost importance to us,” he says. “Our hope is to create opportunities and resources that build our weaving communities. We believe it is our duty to invest into our local artisans to ensure we sustain the longevity of this beautiful ancient craft for generations to come.”

In South Africa, Magugu is similarly passionate about local production. “I’m from a place that grapples deeply with socio-political issues and where unemployment stood at a staggering 30% [rate] before COVID-19. So keeping production local is how I can contribute to that in my own capacity,” he says. “This also leads me into areas like upcycling, because I am trying to utilize the resources I have in a local capacity, doubly preserving ideas of craft and handwork local artisans have been doing for years.”

Williams is known for her inventive upcycling, but also spoke of the need to break free from the traditional fashion system and drive real change: “My practice reflects the concepts of positive critique and alternative systems, looking toward designers providing their own system to evoke change within a community, rather than using those that are already established…. [and] creating a new business model that gives back to charitable and social causes and supports local craftsmanship.”

Nearly every designer spoke of creating less, too, which reflects the theme of this year’s competition, “Less is more.” Matty Bovan uses everything from vintage Fiorucci samples to deadstock denim to create his small-batch, limited-edition collections, but says the IWP will strengthen his knowledge of traceability and sourcing. “Exploring fabrics and yarns from different mills and factories has been interesting, and as merino is such a versatile fibre, it’s been really exciting [to work with],” he says. “Traceability has always been very important to me, and I have always found it key to understanding who we work with and where they are in the world. I try to work with artisans with hand skills, and I myself try to make and treat a lot of textiles in-house. I like the touch of the hand on everything that comes under Matty Bovan.”

Marie-Eve Lecavalier, the founder of Lecavalier in Canada, also hopes to gain a better understanding of traceability through Woolmark. “I hope to learn that from a small to big scale, sustainability and traceability will be feasible and crucial within the fashion industry,” she says. “Woolmark has been able to grow and strengthen clear values and principles around their sourcing process. This is a great example for the rest of the industry to follow… I aim to get to this level of transparency through everything I do.”

Next spring, one finalist will be awarded with the grand prize of $200,000 AUD to invest in their business, and another will receive the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation and $100,000 AUD. There will also be a third, brand-new award in 2021: the Supply Chain Award “celebrating outstanding contribution from a trade partner to drive awareness for wool supply chain innovation.” The finalists will also have the opportunity to stock their collections in IWP retail partners, including MatchesFashion.com, Sense, Browns, and Net-a-Porter.

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Fashion

Cardi B’s $60K Birkin Bag Gets The ‘Mommy Treatment’ As Daughter Unleashes Her Creativity

In a moment of relatable frustration, Cardi B took to Instagram to share a funny yet surprising story about her expensive $60,000 Birkin bag, one of her favorite items from her luxury collection. Known for her bold personality and honest social media posts, Cardi revealed that one of her daughters had turned the fancy purse into a makeshift canvas, drawing a heart on it without permission. “Look what my daughter did to my purse,” Cardi said dramatically in her Instagram Story, showing off the iconic bag to her followers. “I literally spent $60,000 on this purse,” she exclaimed, still amazed by the unexpected ‘artwork’ from her little girl.

Although she was frustrated, the mom of three tried to take it all in stride, at least for the moment. Cardi values her hard-earned luxury items, especially her growing collection of high end bags. However, as any parent knows, kids have a skill for creating chaos even in the most cherished parts of life. For Cardi, that chaos includes her high-priced accessories. The post quickly gained attention online, with fans sympathizing with Cardi’s situation. Many found humor in the irony of the event, while others offered support, pointing out that such moments are just part of the unpredictable journey of parenthood. Cardi has previously emphasized that family is her top priority, even if it means dealing with some messiness.

Check out this article: Offset Calls For Peace As He Pursues Truce With Cardi B’s Fans After Drama

But Cardi’s frustration didn’t stop there. She later took to Twitter to respond to comments made by Kanye West regarding her staying power in the spotlight. While she didn’t mention him directly, her tweet, “7 years 1 album… STILL being a topic and STILL being asked about my music!!!” sent a clear message. She confidently asserted her spot in the entertainment world, clarifying that her fans, known as “The Brim,” are not going anywhere. In the end, whether it’s a damaged Birkin bag or dealing with critics, Cardi B repeatedly shows that she remains unfazed by the ups and downs of fame, always staying true to herself and her family.

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Fashion

Kai Cenat Powers Up The BAPE By KidSuper Collection, Bringing Bold Streetwear Vision to Life

The collaboration between BAPE by KidSuper and Kai Cenat has officially launched, and it’s making waves in the streetwear world. Released on April 12, the BAPE by KidSuper collection represents a blend of BAPE’s iconic style from Japan with the vibrant, energetic vibe of KidSuper, which has its roots in Brooklyn. This partnership is particularly significant for KidSuper’s founder, Colm Dillane, who started his journey selling handmade t-shirts outside BAPE stores. Now, he’s a key creative partner with the legendary brand. What sets this collection apart is its deep connection to culture.

Social media star Kai Cenat plays a major role in promoting the collection, bringing a youthful energy that perfectly matches the spirit of the collaboration. The release captures a mix of past influences and modern style, appealing directly to today’s trend-conscious audience. The first look at the collection was revealed during Paris Fashion Week at KidSuper’s Fall/Winter 2025 show, titled “From a Place I Have Never Been.” This wasn’t just a typical fashion show; it was an immersive experience featuring oversized clothing, bright colors, and a comic-inspired theme celebrating youth, memories, and imagination. These ideas are reflected in every piece of the collection, from graphic t-shirts to special sneakers, jackets, and clogs, making each item feel like a unique piece of art.

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The design and packaging of the collection are also very creative, enhancing the overall experience. The packaging, inspired by comic books, ensures that this collection is a celebration of a special moment in streetwear history. Raystar, who also participated in the show, infused his own creative energy into the project, adding another level of excitement to this already iconic partnership. In a time when collaborations are common, the BAPE by KidSuper collection stands out by tapping into the core of street culture and creativity. It’s a collection that many collectors and trendsetters are going to want to have.

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