Entries open for We The Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize

ENTRIES have opened for the latest edition of the We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize.

The biennial acquisitive prize and exhibition celebrates innovation in ethical and sustainable fashion.

Presented by the National Wool Museum, the prize is Australia’s only dedicated prize for emerging designers with less than 10 years of industry experience, showcasing groundbreaking work from both Australian and international talent.

Aligned with the City of Greater Geelong’s UNESCO City of Design designation, the prize affirms the region’s ongoing influence in the wool, fibre, and textile industries while shaping the future of sustainable fashion.

Open to designers worldwide until April 15, the prize invites creators to submit a single original ensemble that reflects their unique design aesthetic and commitment to sustainability.

The museum’s definition of Sustainable Fashion is holistic, and champions ethical practice, design ingenuity, material consciousness and business innovation.

Every two years, the Sustainable Fashion prize – $10,000 for the Designer of the Year Award and $2,000 for the People’s Choice Award – showcases emerging themes from the world of sustainable fibre and textiles through the next generation of fashion designers.

“The museum is actively developing its already significant textile collection through acquisition programs that prioritise good design,” National Wool Museum director Padraic Fisher said.

“The outfit that wins the 2025 Sustainable Fashion Prize becomes part of the National Wool Museum Collection, telling the evolving story of innovative design and sustainable fashion through the lens of emerging fashion designers.”

Outfits are judged by a panel of industry professionals against their ability to design and redefine sustainable and ethical textiles with entries responding to the following categories: Material innovation, Circular process innovation, Design innovation or Business innovation.

The Sustainable Fashion Prize winner will be announced on June 13 with an accompanying exhibition, including all shortlisted outfits.

“The City of Greater Geelong is committed to supporting emerging fashion designers embracing innovative and sustainable practices in the textile industry” Geelong deputy mayor Ron Nelson said.

“Our city has a legacy in manufacturing and being on the cutting edge of technology and this prize speaks to local research into sustainable fibres and future practices that will help revolutionise the global fashion industry.

“As a UNESCO City of Design, this is a major program that is embraced by our network of cities from around the world.”

For more information on the prize and to enter, head to wethemakers.com.au