Shanghai Fashion Designer, Qiu Hao Wins Prestigious Woolmark Prize
Award in Paris
SYDNEY, July 4/ Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --
Broadcast quality footage available:
MME Sonia Rykiel, Patron of The Woolmark Prize, today announced Qiu Hao from China will now
join design greats Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Romeo Gigli,
Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani in the Woolmark hall of fame, as the 2008 winner of the
inaugural Woolmark Prize.
The original wool awards were held between 1954–1992 by the International Wool Secretariat
(IWS). The Woolmark Prize takes up where IWS left off, upholding the original foundations on
which the award was built: excellence, innovation and distinction. The aim of today’s prize is to
underscore the importance of Merino wool to the fashion world by recognising, rewarding and
showcasing emerging talents and cutting-edge creativity that emphasises the sensual, sculptural
aspects of knit.
Before attending Central Saint Martins College, London, 30 year old Shanghai designer Qiu Hao
graduated in interior design at Suzhou University. Since his 2006 debut, Qiu Hao has consistently
supplied razor sharp tailoring and smooth deconstruction in a largely monochromatic colour
palette. Each collection is balanced by a measure of softness; a curve, a texture, a physical
motion that eschews the obvious.
"It is with great pleasure that Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) once again bring the honour and
prestige of such an international prize to assist emerging talent so that they may occupy a solid
place in the global apparel industry," said Mr Craig Welsh, C.E.O. Australian Wool Innovation. "We
see the Woolmark Prize as an opportunity to support the future of design and at the same time,
showcase to the world Australian Merino wool at its best and most innovative," said Mr Welsh.
As the winner of the 2008 prize Qiu Hao will receive industry support to the value of €100,000
($163,000) which is invaluable to an emerging designer. AWI will provide aid and expertise in
sourcing material, production, presentation and promotion of a collection. High end Paris boutique,
Colette, have agreed to carry exclusive stock of a limited edition garment.
U.S. Vogue Fashion News Feature Director Sally Singer, global fashion expert and 2008 awards
judge, said "It's a wonderful time to relaunch The Woolmark Prize; the list of finalists were
exceptional and reflects the innovation and rigor that a new generation of designers is investing in
their work. Artisanal work in fashion is always going to be synonymous with knitwear and it's the
time to buy luxurious things that are made and designed with care."
The Woolmark Prize represents the first of many AWI initiatives focused on enhancing the
presence and value of the Woolmark portfolio. Over the next three years AWI will invest over
€75.000,000 in relaunching and repositioning the Woolmark brand and establishing Australian
merino wool as one of the most exciting fibres available today, unique for its natural, biodegradable
and sustainable qualities.
Released by: Karyn Westren-Gross, AWI Fashion Communications
Ph: +61-2-8295-3166
SOURCE: Australian Wool Innovation
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