Saul Nash wins 2022 International Woolmark Prize

London-based designer Saul Nash has been announced as the winner of the 2022 International Woolmark Prize, which has championed fashion's rising talent since the 1950s.

Among seven finalists from around the world, Nash was awarded the £113,652 (AUD200,000) prize for his merino capsule collection, which comprised bold intarsia knits and riffs on his signature design elements that transform with the needs of the body in movement.

An expert jury praised Nash for his modern use of Merino wool, bridging a gap between active solutions and more formal requirements. The jury included Byredeo founder Ben Gorham, British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful OBE, Supermodel Naomi Campbell and Burberry's Creative Director Riccardo Tisci.

"Everyone did a great job and could have been a winner," said Tisci. "But what Saul did, coming from a ballet background to replace lycra with wool was really incredible."

Commenting on his win, Nash said: "Words cannot describe what this means to me. In such a short space of time I am so grateful for what I have gained in the past eight months. This really is the cherry on top for everything Woolmark has done for me."

Nash added that his winnings will be used to expand his team and strengthen the infrastructure surrounding his eponymous label.

South African label Mmusomaxwell took home the Karl Lagerfeld Prize for Innovation, with the brand highlighted by the judges for its dedication to slow, small-batch production that utilises local raw material and artisans.

Other finalists for this year’s award include Ahluwalia (United Kingdom), Egonlab (France), Jordan Dalah, (Australia), Peter Do (USA) and Rui (China).