
A Geelong sustainable fashion prize is back after two years with three new winners, with voting for the people’s choice award now open.
We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize exhibition will be on display at the National Wool Museum until November 30 to showcase all the finalists for people to vote on the UNESCO City of Design People’s Choice Award winner.
Museum director Padraic Fisher said the museum was “proud to provide a global platform for designers” helping shape the fashion industry’s future.
“This prize not only recognises creative excellence but also champions the urgent shift toward ethical, slow, and circular fashion,” he said.
“We the Makers celebrates the bold vision and ingenuity of emerging designers who are reimagining fashion for a more sustainable future.”
Shiva Yousefpour was named Designer of the Year for UNBOUND by SHIYO, with the people’s choice winner to be announced during Geelong Design Week from November 21 to 30.
Isobel Hyland’s Pivot City Punk received the Mayoral Award, and Sherry Johnstone’s Coastal Country was selected for the ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres Innovation Mentorship, Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the Sustainable Fashion Prize was a powerful example of how Geelong was building on its rich textile legacy.
“This prize is a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and our ongoing commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for the fashion industry,” he said.