New Delhi: Indian fashion designer Suket Dhir has won the prestigious Menswear final of the International Woolmark Prize, becoming the second Indian to win the iconic, internationally recognised fashion prize.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling, congratulated? Dhir on the honour, announced in Florence overnight.
“I’m delighted that Suket Dhir has won one of the world’s premier fashion awards, sponsored by Australian wool growers,” he said.
“Suket’s designs are stunning and a beautiful showcase of wool. I look forward to seeing his garments in leading fashion retailers around the world, including David Jones in Australia.”
Dhir showcased his garments at an Australian High Commission fashion event in April, attended by Australian Foreign Minister Bishop and sponsored by Woolmark and Raymond.
Woolmark, the global authority on wool, is an Australian innovation that highlights Australian wool’s position as the ultimate natural fibre and premier ingredient in luxury apparel.
The Woolmark Company is the subsidiary of a not-for-profit enterprise owned by more than 24,000 Australian wool growers.
Suket Dhir beat five other international designers, including Australian P Johnson, with a menswear collection that fused classic western tailoring with traditional techniques, including Ikat (hand-tying and dyeing yarn) and Kasui (traditional hand embroidery).
Dhir won Australian dollars 100,000 (Rs. 48.5 lakh) and his designs will be stocked in leading retailers around the world, including Saks Fifth Avenue (New York), David Jones (Australia), 10 Corso Como (Milan), Isetan Mitsukoshi (Japan), and Boon The Shop (South Korea).
This is the second time in four years an Indian designer has won International Woolmark Prize. Rahul Mishra took the prize in the women’s wear category two years ago. (ANI)