Travel Diary: Harman Grubisa in Florence
The design duo document their journey as one of 12 global finalists in this year's International Woolmark Prize
After winning the regional Australia/New Zealand Woolmark Prize in August last year, Auckland-based designers Madeleine Harman and Jessica Grubisa flew at new year to Florence to join the global finalists vying for the $200,000 prize money, ongoing mentorship, and the opportunity to be stocked in some of the most prestigious boutiques around the world.
Showcasing a capsule collection that highlighted the use of merino wool, the designers were put through their paces presenting their work to a discerning panel of judges, including Italian Vogue editor-in-chief Emanuele Farneti, the buying manager for luxury e-tailer Mytheresa, Tiffany Hsu, supermodel Amber Valetta, sustainable fashion leader Livia Firth, fashion critic Sarah Mower, American designer Phillip Lim and more.
READ: Kiwis Win Big at the International Woolmark Awards
The top prizes were taken out by Indian’s label Bodice, British designer Matthew Miller and Dyne from Portland, America.