Britain's Matthew Miller wins International Woolmark prize for menswear

British designer Matthew Miller has been awarded the prestigious International Woolmark prize for menswear beating a field of 65 designers from around the world who were vying for the award.

Miller, fresh from showing at London Fashion Week Mens this weekend, attended a special event staged during the Pitti Uomo international menswear tradeshow at Stazione Leopolda in Florence.

"Winning this award is amazing, it’s a dream come true. To be listed alongside the previous winners of this prize is next level," said Miller of his win.

The Womenswear Prize was awarded to Bodice of Pakistan while the and Innovation Award went to American brand DYNE.

The award was judged by an esteemed panel, including Amber Valletta, Elizabeth Von Guttman, Emanuele Farneti, Julie Davies, Livia Firth, Liya Kebede, Miroslava Duma, Nonita Kalra, Phillip Lim, Riccardo Vannetti, Sarah Mower and Woolmark's Stuart McCullough along with representatives from the International Woolmark Prize retail partner network.

Farneti, editor in chief of Vogue Italia, said Miller had presented a well-balanced collection, with attractive price points. “He showed a good combination between innovation, commercial viability and pieces which will be worn by men on the street," he said.

For his collection Miller was onspired by designer and philosopher Dieter Rams, taking the idea of "form follows function: to add multifunctional elements for different environments, such as the addition of the garment belt system which acts as a way to turn the garment into an accessory in warmer climates.

Miller treated the wool in a variety of ways, including innovative treatments to create water resistant fabrics and eliminated the need for plastic fastenings by using recycled material, such as waste marble.

Both Miller and Bodice win AU$200,000 to help support the development of their business. They will also receive ongoing industry mentor support, Woolmark certification for their winning collection and the opportunity to be stocked in some of the world’s most prestigious department stores and boutiques, including Boutique 1, Boon The Shop, David Jones, Harvey Nichols, Hudson's Bay, Lane Crawford, LECLAIREUR, mytheresa.com, ORDRE, Parlour X, Ssense.com, Sugar, Takashimaya and Tata CLiQ Luxury. DYNE receives a prize of AU$100,000.