Nigerian label Lagos Space Program wins this year’s International Woolmark Prize following in the footsteps of Saul Nash, Matty Bovan and Gabriela Hearst. The winners were announced by the organization on Monday.
Founder Adeju Thompson’s conceptual, non-binary brand impressed the judges with the “completeness of their collection and the way they have explored and used merino wool,” according to the Woolmark Prize website. The Danish knitwear brand A. Roege Hove takes second place and also receives the Karl Lagerfeld prize for innovation.
Thompson accepted the grand prize on Monday evening in Paris. Representing locally made fabrics and prints from Nigeria, the label aims to enhance the image of African fashion through designs that reference queer identities and the traditions of the Yoruba people, one of West Africa’s largest ethnic groups.
“What excited me was the story behind the brand that is so important and what it brings to light in its community in Nigeria,” commented judge Elizabeth von der Goltz, Managing Director of luxury boutique Browns and Head of Fashion and Merchandise at Farfetch.
In addition to a mentorship, Thompson also wins prize money of 200,000 Australian dollars (about 129,000 euros). Thompson plans to use the money to expand production capacity and invest in solar panels so the brand is no longer dependent on Nigeria’s national electricity supply, Thompson told WWD magazine.
A. Roege Hove wins Karl Lagerfeld Prize for Innovation
Thompson was dating eight finalists selected. Each of the eight finalists was tasked with designing six looks in merino wool with a “dialogue” theme to showcase “the innate versatility, innovative nature and ecological qualities of merino wool”. The judging panel included Alaïa Creative Director Pieter Mulier, Alessandro Sartori, Zegna Artistic Director, and Marni Creative Director Francesco Risso.
Runner-up Amalie Røge Hove received a prize of 100,000 Australian dollars (approx. 65,000 euros). She plans to invest this money in new machines for her studio and in the development of yarns. In addition, Amsterdam-based textile innovation studio Byborre received the Supply Chain Award.
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.nl. Translation and editing: Pia Schulz