Dion Lee wins Australian regional final for IWPPrint

	Young designer Dion Lee has edged out five other Australian designers to take out the coveted International Woolmark Prize for the Australia region. Click here to view Lee's IWP final lookbook and discover what inspired his final caspule collection (pdf 5289 Kb)

Dion Lee was announced as the winner for the International Woolmark Prize Australian regional Award at a judging ceremony held on July 16 in Sydney..

The Woolmark Company this year relaunched the International Woolmark Prize to help promote outstanding design talent from across the world, and through its design innovations inspire and educate consumers on the natural beauty of Merino wool.

Six of the most talented Australian designers vied for the award today including:

• Dion Lee (winner) 
• Ellery 
• Christopher Esber 
• Magdelena Velevska 
• Carl Kapp 
• Song for the Mute

Dion Lee was selected as the winner by iconic industry figures:

• Edwina McCann – Editor-in-Chief Vogue Australia
• Richard Nicoll - Designer
• Simon P Lock – Founder of Australian Fashion Week
• Malcolm Carfrae – Global Vice President of Communications for Calvin Klein
• David Bush – Buyer Womenswear David Jones

“The International Woolmark Prize has generated worldwide attention as more partners, retailers and media align themselves and their brands to help promote the outstanding talent that has been sourced from around the world,” explained Stuart McCullough, CEO of Australian Wool Innovation, owners of The Woolmark Company.

“It has been a tough decision today and we look forward to supporting and working with Dion in the lead up to the finals in February where they have the chance to be awarded with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that are on offer for the winner of the International Woolmark Prize.”

Designer and judge Richard Nicoll said whilst the standards of each designer’s entry was high, Lee would make an ideal ambassador for Australian fashion.

“I was thrilled to be a part of the Australian Division of the Woolmark Prize judging panel today and thought that the standard was extremely high but there was a clear winner," Mr Nicoll said.

“Dion is the ideal designer ambassador for Australia. I think he has a good chance of winning the overall international competition also which would be a fantastic result for the perception of Australian fashion as a whole and inspiring for future generations of winners.”

Judging of the IWP Australia award took place on July 16 2012, against the backdrop of Sydney's stunning harbour.

About Dion Lee

In just three years and seven collections, 26-year-old Dion Lee has already won a bevy of Australia’s most prestigious fashion awards.

Lee is one of those rare designers who can channel high-minded creativity into garments that retain a sense of viability, and each collection further cements his name into industry history. His extraordinary talent for patternmaking combined with his hands-on approach to collection development support his intricacy of vision.

Lee’s skill is accompanied by an already established consistency of aesthetic which has made his rise in the fashion world each season seem steady, whilst simultaneously meteoric.

In addition garnering recognition from international press, Lee has also demonstrated high business acumen, launching a more accessible line of clothes than just his main collection.

A striking visual portrayal of Dion Lee’s incredible International Woolmark Prize capsule collection submission. The film showcases the fit and shape of his wonderful wool Creation through imagery and movement.