Matty Bovan Wins International Woolmark Prize
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LONDON — Matty Bovan was named the winner of both the 2021 International Woolmark Prize and the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation at a virtual ceremony hosted on Thursday.
The British designer will receive 300,000 Australian dollars in prize money, and a series of mentorship to scale his business.
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This is the second time in the award’s history that one designer took home both major awards. Edward Crutchley bagged both the International Woolmark Prize men’s wear category as well as the Innovation award back in 2019.
“It’s a huge honor to win these prizes and I’m so excited for where it’s going to take me,” Bovan said. “I was already so thrilled with the Woolmark Prize platform and experience.
“Being a part of the International Woolmark Prize has really helped elevate my brand and elevate my awareness and knowledge of how I operate as a business and as a label. It’s been amazing and I have loved every minute of it,” he added.
Bovan was chosen from six finalists, who were tasked with designing a merino wool collection with a less-is-more approach for a judging panel, which includes Carine Roitfeld, Ib Kamara, Shaway Yeh, Sinéad Burke, Tasha Liu, Thom Browne and Julie Davies.
The other finalists were Bethany Williams, Casablanca, Kenneth Ize, Lecavalier and Thebe Magugu. They were selected from more than 380 applicants from 55 countries.
For his merino wool capsule, an ode to the sea, traveling and escapism, the designer was particularly inspired by Horatio Nelson, who led the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, and wanted to translate this story into his world.
He worked with local suppliers and manufacturers who are based in York and used deadstock fabrics to create pieces like a naval jacket screen-printed with images of Nelson and a fleet of ships from his archives, cable knits dyed with a mix of natural and acid dyes, and fishing waders that appear to be a trouser and skirt hybrid.
Bovan was praised by the judges for his “technically advanced jacquard weave designs, unique style, intricate designs, which tell a story, advanced understanding of both knit and weave techniques, strong color combinations and sustainable approach to local sourcing and production.”
“He is pure fashion,” Roitfeld said. “He makes me dream and he reminds me of a young Vivienne Westwood or a John Galliano and we desperately need that sort of designer in the fashion world of today.”
Browne called him “truly and authentically creative,” and said, “there is nothing more inspiring than young artists who are unique and true to themselves.”
The newly introduced Woolmark Supply Chain Award, which recognizes the outstanding contribution of a trade partner in the supply chain, was given to China’s Nanshan Group for supporting finalists over the years and working in close collaboration to bring the finalists’ vision to life.
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