History repeats itself and this time history in Indian fashion industry is repeated. After Rahul Mishra making a mark at International Woolmark Prize, this time designer Suket Dhir made it as the winner of the 2015/2016 Menswear International Woolmark Prize, presented at a special event at Pitti Uomo, the world’s foremost menswear trade fair.
Considered as the designer with most romantic design philosophy, Suket was a unanimous decision. Innovation was at the heart of Suket Dhir’s collection for the International Woolmark Prize, which cleverly fused classic western tailoring with elements of the designer’s national dress, such as oversized proportions and lightweight fabrics. “My collection explores the trans-seasonal aspects of wool and the alchemic transformation of the fibrous wool into smooth, silk-like yarn, which renders the fabric light, airy, fluid and yet full and supple”, says the winning designer.
Using the traditional technique of hand-tied and dyed yarn (Ikat), the collection aimed to “trace the mellowed and faded experiences of the past memories through the ombre pattern.” Seamless molding and heat setting of the fabric reinforced the garments, while the age-old technique of Kasui, a traditional hand embroidery, created geometric, grid-like patterns in an update on the classic quilting stitch.
Following the announcement, the designer explained: “This is certainly very overwhelming, and everything that I needed right now. I’ve done what I could in India, and this is the best thing that could happen to me for me to move in a bigger way. I think I’m ready for the world, and I also think the world is ready for me and for this kind of aesthetic. The look is easy and happy, and the world needs that right now.”
As the winner Suket Dhir was honored with AU$100,000 to help support the development of his business and ongoing industry mentor support, as well as the presentation and sale of his capsule collection, created for the International Woolmark Prize, in some of the world’s most prestigious department stores and boutiques. These include MatchesFashion.com (online), Isetan Mitsukoshi (Japan), David Jones (Australia), Saks Fifth Avenue (New York), 10 Corso Como (Milan) and Boon The Shop (South Korea).
Stuart McCullough, Chief Executive Officer of The Woolmark Company, explained: “What Suket Dhir designs is romantic, and that’s very appealing in fashion, and certainly was to the judging panel. All of the designers will no doubt go on to great commercial success in all parts of the world, but we can only name one winner, and this time romance won.”