Lagos Space Programme Takes Home The International Woolmark Prize

From hundreds of entries to eight finalists, with the 2023 International Woolmark Prize coming to a close, the leaders in wool production have announced that Lagos Space Programme will take home this year's covetable accolade. Founded by Nigerian designer Adeju Thompson, he will receive AUD 200,000 (GBP 107,000) and business mentorship from some of the industry's leading voices to aide in expanding his brand. Thompson joins an enviable roster of previous winners of the Woolmark Prize including Matty Bovan, Gabriela Hearst, and even Karl Lagerfeld and Valentino Garavani

'This is a life-changing opportunity,' said Thompson upon receiving the award. 'It means that things will be easier for me. Coming from Nigeria there’s no support. To have recognition from The Woolmark Company – wow. I’m so speechless and I’m looking forward to the future'.

A jury of experts, including Alaïa's creative director Pieter Mulier, Zegna's artistic director Alessandro Sartori and photographer Tyler Mitchell narrowed the competition down from eight international finalists beating out the likes of Rhude, Maxxij, Bluemarble, Robyn Lynch, Marco Rambaldi and Paolina Russo. With each finalist tasked with crafting a six-piece capsule using merino wool as part of their A/W 23 collection it was Thompson that managed to impress the jury with his innovative take on wool. Of course, this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise for fans of the brand. After all, at the core of Lagos Space Programme is supporting local artisan communities with the entirety of the brand’s production taking place in Africa.

Known for his non-binary approach to design, Thompson’s visual language is rooted in exploring African Futurism while focusing on traditional craft techniques. ‘I’m trying to break down the misconception that queerness is a western construct’, Thompson told us in an exclusive interview in 2021. ‘I see myself as a global designer. My clothes fit in any context — in Tokyo, London or Paris’.

Not the only winner this year, Danish knitwear brand A. Roege Hove took home the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation. Founded by Amalie Roege Hove, the designer received AUD 100,000 (GBP 53,000) to expand her brand..