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Suketdhir is named the winner of the Men's International Woolmark Prize

By Vivian Hendriksz

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Fashion

Indian designer Suket Dhir has been crowned as the winner of the 2015/2016 Men's International Woolmark Prize during a event held at the second day of Italian menswear trade fair Pitti Uomo, from a group of six finalists hailing from across the globe.

Designing under the name of his eponymous label Suketdhir, the 35-year old Indian designer brings together the best of classic western tailoring together with design elements from his own country and national dress, such as oversized silhouettes and lightweight, breathable 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," explained Suketdhir, who places innovation at the heart of his collection for the competition.

Suket Dhir is named as the winner of the second men's International Woolmark Prize

His winning collection for the International Woolmark Prize, entitled Cultural Fusion, was singled out thorugh an unanimous decision, according to the judging panel which included designer Haider Ackermann, internation editor for Vogue Suzy Menkes and chief executive at Pitti Immagine Raffaello Napoleone. "For me, it wasn't a hard decision," said designer Haider Ackermann. "Suket is a person with a dream to tell, and I thought that it was very beautiful, because fashion at this time is about a dream, and the rest – the business – will follow. And technically, he showed us details I've never seen before, and that’s very impressive."

"What Suketdhir designs is romantic, and that’s very appealing in fashion, and certainly was to the judging panel," added Stuart McCullough, Managing Director of The Woolmark Company. "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 today romance won." Suket Dhir used traditional techniques of hand-toed and dyed yarn (ikat) together with traditional hand embroidery known as kasui to create geometric, grid-like patterns with an ombre effect.

"This is certainly very overwhelming, and everything that I needed right now," said the designer following the announcement that he was the winner. "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."

The designer founded his label in 2010 and has been developing a steady presence in his home country, but due to lack of funds has been unable to expand his brand presence outside of India. As the winner of the second International Woolmark Prize for menswear, Suket Dhir is set to receive 10,000 AU dollars to help support the ongoing development of his business as well as mentor support from industry expert. In addition, his collection for the competition will be presented and showcased in a number of department stores across the globe, including Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, 10 Corso Como in Milan and MatchesFashion.com online.

"In fashion, I’m always looking for emotion, for the heartbeat, for the feeling that something excites me – it may come from an ancient skill but it seems fresh to me," said Suzy Menkes on Suket Dhir collection.

Photos: The International Woolmark Company

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