Sibling’s Woolmark Win

SIBLING has won the European Woolmark prize. The knitwear label, helmed by Joe Bates, Sid Bryan and Cozette McCreery, was selected to represent Britain in the annual international competition.

The European round was one of five regional competitions - with another four taking place in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the US throughout June and July. Each of the nominees had to create a capsule collection made from Merino wool and present six sketches, along with one complete look, to a judging panel. The five winners of each regional stage - which now includes Sibling - will go head-to-head in competing for the overall prize later this year.

Menswear label Sibling, and its womenswear equivalent - Sister by Sibling - are both renowned for a playful sensibility, with a focus on an alternative, and often outlandish, use of knitwear. A total of 48 emerging designers were entered to compete for the Woolmark Prize worldwide overall.

The 2013 winner, Belgian designer Christian Wijnants, was named by a panel including Victoria Beckham, Diane von Furstenberg and Donatella Versace following a catwalk show staged during London Fashion Week in February and presented with a cash prize of £65,000. He also had his winning collection displayed in leading international stores. Previous Woolmark Prize winners include Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld.