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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Artist Spotlight

Rare Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample Hits the Market

Sneaker culture is all about exclusivity, and sometimes, a truly special pair comes along that gets everyone excited. One such sneaker is the Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample, a unique blend of basketball history and baseball style. With its striking look and connections to two famous sports worlds, this rare sneaker has just hit the resale market, and collectors are eager to get their hands on it. Originally created for basketball star Penny Hardaway, the Foamposite One became a staple of ’90s sneaker fashion. Its innovative design was groundbreaking at the time.

However, this special Yankees-themed version takes it a step further. It features a deep navy blue and bright white color scheme, resembling the classic pinstripes of the New York Yankees, one of the most celebrated teams in baseball. The unique wave design that runs across the upper part makes this sneaker stand out, giving it a dynamic look and feel. Unlike the regular versions sold in stores, this sample was never mass-produced, which adds to its appeal among collectors and passionate Yankees fans. Currently listed on Index PDX in size 9 for an impressive $3,500, the price reflects how rare it is.

Artist Spotlight

Kim Kardashian’s Tesla Robot Photoshoot Sparks Social Media Firestorm

Kim Kardashian is no stranger to stirring up controversy, but her latest photoshoot has generated quite a surprising backlash. Recently, she shared a striking set of images for Perfect Magazine, where she posed alongside a humanoid robot from Tesla and sat on top of a shiny Cybertruck. The shoot was intended to playfully highlight her reputation as being “robotic,” something she feels has been used to describe her in the media. “I think the big joke about doing the shoot with the robot is that I feel like I’m so robotic,” she explained. However, not everyone found it amusing.

Many people online expressed their disapproval, and it wasn’t just about the futuristic look of the photos. Critics viewed the shoot as a nod of support for Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, who is currently a controversial figure facing boycotts. One commenter remarked, “She definitely picked a side,” while another harshly suggested that the Cybertruck could be iconic only if it were on fire! The discussion quickly expanded beyond fashion, with some linking the imagery to international conflicts. “Well, that’s a very clear side just picked, the same one that sides with Russia. Not great,” one user stated.

This incident highlights how public figures like Kardashian are closely watched for their choices and associations. Even what might seem like a fun photoshoot can carry significant meaning. While she intended the shoot to be lighthearted, the timing raised concerns for many fans, especially with Musk’s political connections currently under scrutiny and Tesla facing criticism. Despite the backlash, Kardashian has chosen to stay quiet and let the photos speak for themselves. As always, she is navigating between bold fashion choices and cultural debates, showing that whatever she does, people will have something to say about it. It remains to be seen if she will respond to the controversy or move on to her next big moment.

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