Rahul Mishra to compete in Milan

Fashion designer Rahul Mishra's unique wool creation, which attempted to portray the journey of human race and the process of metamorphosis that our planet has undergone in the last century, has won him a chance to compete for the International Woolmark Prize in Milan next year.

Mishra was announced the winner of the India and Middle East selection for the 2013-2014 International Woolmark Prize here Thursday. He was chosen amongst 10 promising talents coming from India and the Middle East. As a result, he will compete at the global event in Milan in February 2014.

"Mishra's winning garment displayed progressive graphic hand embroidery with Merino wool yarn on Merino wool jacket dress. The graphic originates from petal lotus to morph into complex structures," read a statement.

For the next six months, the designer will be required to develop a capsule collection in Merino wool, to be showcased during the finale, which will see five finalists selected from across the globe.

"We congratulate Rahul Mishra on winning the India regional prize. With the exciting expansion of the prize in this region, which now covers the UAE, Pakistan and Lebanon, the award is becoming more competitive and more interesting each year," said Rob Langtry, chief marketing and strategy officer, The Woolmark Company.

The judging panel comprising of local and international industry experts includes Peter Ackroyd, president of International Wool Trade organisation; Imran Amed, founder of The Business of Fashion; designers Martin Grant and Manish Arora; Simon Lock, CEO of The Lock Group; and Fashion Design Council of India president Sunil Sethi.