After Matty Bovan won the 2021 International Wool Mark Award and the Karl Lagerfeld Innovation Award, this year's supply Chain Partner Award was awarded to Shandong Nanshan Zhishang Technology Co., LTD., a Chinese company, in recognition of its support for young design talents. Actively promoting international cooperation and exchanges and other aspects of outstanding achievements. Nanshan Zhishang, which focuses on innovation and r&d to become the industry leader, has been cooperating closely with selected designers for many years to help them put their dreams into reality.

Founded in 1954, the International Woolmark Awards is regarded as one of the most important talent development programmes in the fashion industry. The project explores and nurtures talent across different countries and cultures to showcase the elegance, diversity and functionality of Merino wool. As a new award this year, the Supply Chain Partner Award aims to encourage companies that have made outstanding contributions to the global wool industry by fostering young design talent, focusing on technology research and development, and actively promoting international cooperation and exchange.

"As our most sincere partner, Nanshan Zhishang has been innovating with us in all links of the industrial chain for many years, and has always been committed to supporting young design talents, which is of great significance to promoting the continuous upgrading and development of the wool industry." Stuart McCullough, managing Director of The Woolmark Company, said: "Nan Shan Zhi Shan is a well-deserved recipient of this award and I am confident that The Company will continue to play a leading role in The industry and continue to work with us to create a new landscape of wool fashion by giving ongoing attention and support to emerging designers in The industry."

The innovative products of Nanshan Zhishang used by the international Wool Mark Award finalists

Colovos

Winner of international Wool Logo Award 2018/19

Colovos uses OptimTM technology developed by Chih-shang Nanshan and 100 percent traceable pure wool to create a new parka, which is usually made from synthetic fabrics. OptimTM technology transforms 100% merino wool into a windproof and waterproof high performance fabric without chemical treatment. It is pre-stretched and spun into yarn from wool fibres, which are then woven at high density into a smooth, stretchy fabric, making it an ideal alternative to synthetic fabrics commonly used in jackets.

Matthew Miller

2017/18 International Wool Logo Award winner

Matthew Miller's creations are inspired by nanshan Zhishang NEULANA fabric. Made from 100% Merino wool, NEULANA Double uses Optim™ technology to create a special fabric with completely different front and back sides. Smooth on one side and soft, fluffy and brushed on the other, it looks like a bonded fabric but is actually woven without any synthetic materials, glue, film or lining.

About The Woolmark Company:

The Woolmark Company is an authoritative wool textile certification body and has established cooperative relationships with wool textile and fashion enterprises around The world. We regard Australian wool as the most natural garment fibre and the fabric of choice for high luxury and technological performance.

The Woolmark is the most famous textile mark in the world. It is not only a guarantee of high quality, but also a representative of the best quality and innovative design throughout the whole industry chain from the pasture to the final garment.

The Woolmark Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian Wool Innovation, a non-profit organisation jointly owned by 60,000 pastoralists dedicated to providing research, development and marketing services for The global supply of Australian Wool.