Emerging designers, this is your moment! The National Wool Museum and the City of Greater Geelong are once again shining a spotlight on innovative and ethical fashion with the return of the We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize.
This biennial competition celebrates bold, sustainable design from creative minds around the world—so if you’re a designer with a passion for ethical fashion, it’s time to step up.
We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize
- Entries open: 1 March 2025
- Entries close: 11 April 2025
- Exhibition opening & awards: 13 June 2025
- National Wool Museum Designer of the Year Award – $10,000
- UNESCO City of Design People’s Choice Award – $2,000
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As Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design, Geelong has long been a leader in textiles and innovation. The National Wool Museum is dedicated to honouring the past, present, and future of fashion, while recognising Geelong’s deep roots in the wool and textile industries.
Museum Director Padraic Fisher explains the importance of this prize in shaping the Museum’s collection:
“The Museum is actively developing its already significant textile collection through acquisition programs that prioritise good design. 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.”
The competition is open to designers with fewer than 10 years of industry experience. Entrants are invited to submit one original ensemble that reflects their commitment to sustainability. Designs will be judged by an expert panel based on their innovation in materials, circular processes, design, or business practices.
Shortlisted outfits will be showcased in a special exhibition at the National Wool Museum, with the winner announced on 13 June 2025. Plus, all shortlisted designs will be in the running for the $2000 UNESCO City of Design People’s Choice Award—so the public gets to have their say, too!
This is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to be part of a global movement redefining the future of sustainable fashion, so why not put your work out there and enter now.
