Barve, Kochhar nominated for International Woolmark Prize

Indian designers Nachiket Barve and Sahil Kochhar are among the nominees for the India, Pakistan and Middle East regional category of the International Woolmark Prize (IWP) 2016-17. The award ceremony will be held on July 15 in Mumbai.

The India, Pakistan and Middle East regional nominees for the 2016/17 International Woolmark Prize for Womenswear have shortlisted 11 names, including Nachiket Barve, Sahil Kochhar, Eka, Saira*Shakira, Zonia.

There are four nominees for menswear, including Bounipun, House of Arsalan Iqbal, Emperor 1688, and Mashael Alrajhi.

Eighty designers from 62 countries have been selected to participate in this year's award, which showcases the qualities of Australian Merino wool.

Besides Mumbai, five other regional events will be held during July in Hong Kong, Sydney, Milan, London and New York.

Nominees will present one look in Merino wool and a six-piece capsule concept to industry experts for the chance to represent their region at the final awards.

Twelve finalists each will receive an AU$50,000 (Rs.2,546,122.89) financial contribution towards their next collection and an invitation to participate in the international global finals.

The six menswear finalists will meet in London in January 2017 and the six womenswear finalists will meet in Paris in March 2017.

The winners of both finals will receive an additional AU$100,000 (Rs.5,096,011.12) to assist with fabric sourcing and marketing of their collection and mentoring from industry experts.

Both international winners will have the opportunity to have their collection distributed through prestigious international retail partners including Harvey Nichols in the UK, Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, David Jones in Australia, Boutique 1 in the UAE, Verso in Belgium, Leclaireur in Paris, Boon the Shop in South Korea, the Papillion in Indonesia, and online through mytheresa.com (womenswear) and Matchesfashion.com (menswear).

The Woolmark Company recognises the support of IMG Reliance (India), Pakistan Fashion Design Council (Pakistan), Dubai Design and Fashion Council (Dubai) and Tala Starch Foundation (Lebanon) as the official nominating bodies in India, Pakistan and Middle East.