The Woolmark Prize 2025 Finalists
Duran Lantink, Raul Lopez of Luar, Rachel Scott of Diotima, Michael Stewart of Standing Ground, and Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre of Ester Manas are among the eight finalists announced for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize. The other contenders include Luca Lin of Act No.1, Louis Gabriel Nouchi, and Meryll Rogge. The prestigious prize, which celebrates design excellence and innovation with merino wool, awards the winner a significant cash prize of 300,000 Australian dollars (approximately $195,000)—an increase of 50% from previous years. Each finalist will receive 60,000 AUD to develop a six-look merino wool capsule as part of their fall 2025 collection or a stand-alone presentation. Beyond the financial incentive, finalists gain unparalleled exposure through the International Woolmark Prize Retailer Network, with opportunities to showcase their collections at leading global retailers. This year’s final event brings an added creative boost with Ib Kamara serving as Guest Artistic Director. Kamara said, “It’s so important that we nurture and inspire the talent who are shaping the future of the fashion industry and I can’t wait to meet the finalists.” In addition to the grand prize, two special awards will be presented; The Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation, which recognizes trailblazing advancements in merino wool design and The Supply Chain Award, honoring individuals or organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership in sustainable practices within the supply chain.
Gucci Returns to Co-ed Shows
Gucci is reintroducing its co-ed show format, described as a “unified” show, under the leadership of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno. Starting in February, the brand will present both men’s and women’s collections together during Milan Fashion Week, with another combined show in September. This shift will also extend to the Cruise 2026 collection, which will be showcased in Florence on May 15th. Gucci’s return to a co-ed format revives a strategy first introduced in 2017 under Alessandro Michele and then going back to separate showcases. [WWD]
Vogue World Is Headed to Hollywood
Vogue World has had shows in New York, London, and Paris, and now it’s heading to Hollywood. This time, the show will “celebrate the rich conversation between film and fashion, centering around the most inspiring characters in cinema history,” according to Vogue. With a portion of proceeds supporting the next generation of costume designers, the event is set to honor both the artistry of the silver screen and the fashion that brings its characters to life. Past Vogue World events have been star-studded spectacles, and Hollywood promises to take things up a notch. [Vogue]
Paloma Elsesser Will Always Have the Last Laugh
Leave it to New Super Paloma Elsesser to turn our cover story into a masterclass in comedic timing. Directed by Columbine Goldsmith, this satirical piece puts the “super” in supermodel as Elsesser embodies her role as A Serious Woman. Known for her razor-sharp humor and groundbreaking career, Elsesser has been a leader in rewriting the rules of ‘sample size’ whether she’s serving high fashion or side-splitting quips. It’s a rare feat—commanding the lens while slyly winking at the industry—but leave it to this one to have us questioning if the joke’s on her or on us. (Spoiler: it’s both.) The New Super links with Models.com in Paris to prove once again that you can laugh all the way to the top. View the full story here.
Set Designer Olivia Aine on Spatial Storytelling
French set designer Olivia Aine is celebrated for her eclectic, curated, and thoughtful set creations deeply rooted in empathy and curiosity. Inspired by her architect father and carpenter stepfather, Aine discovered her passion for how set design enhances visual storytelling. In this Behind The Image, dive into Aine’s journey as she collaborates with brands like Rabanne, Casablanca, and Chanel. Explore her inspirations, biggest challenges, and who she thinks is one to watch. Read the full interview here.
MDC Selects: These Model Rookies Are Internationally Known and Locally Respected
These six new MDC Selects from different parts of the world are here to share a bit about themselves. Learn about their favorite things to do, their hometowns, and what obstacles they have conquered here.
Kito Muñoz on Weaving Intimacy Into Images
Based in Paris, photographer Kito Muñoz describes his work as an obsession with exploring things that deeply resonate with him. After discovering photography from a young age, Muñoz used it as a way to escape while create stories through photos. For the next Behind The Image find out more about Munoz’s work with Dust Magazine, Men About Town, and more. Click the link for the full interview here.
