Designer Duos Scoop Up Woolmark Prize

The winners of the International Woolmark Prize for the British Isles have been revealed and both categories of womenswear and menswear see pairs of designers receiving the accolade. Promising designers Agi & Sam (Agape Mdumulla and Sam Cotton), who proved very successful at this year's London Collections: Men, triumphed in menswear while the talented duo of Teatum Jones, made up of Catherine Teatum and Rob Jones, were awarded the womenswear prize.

Teatum Jones Ready-to-Wear AW15

Industry member, GG editor and co-founder of LCM, Dylan Jones lent his menswear expertise as a panel judge along with Sophie Neophitou, Jason Basmajian, Anita Barr, French designer Roland Mouret, Simon Chilvers and Stuart McCullough. Mouret commented on Teatum Jones' win: "What we loved about Teatum Jones winning this prize was their use and development of Merino wool, from their concept to the final garment. It was extraordinary and we thought it was really representative of what Britain's young designers stand for."

Agi & Sam Spring/Summer 2016

The designer twosomes will both receive a hefty sum of money to inject into their businesses (AU$5000 for this round) and could win an additional AU$100,000 if they come out successful in the International final as Britain's representatives, held in January 2016 for menswear and February 2016 for womenswear. Teatum Jones were beyond pleased upon hearing the news of their success and said the cash flow will be used to carry through their experimenting with Merino wool and lead to more innovations. They also feel "really motivated and confident" about the International final.

Teatum Jones and Agi & Sam must now develop a brand new capsule collection using Merino wool for the next round of battle. We wish them luck in representing Britain's craft.