Vogue Scandinavia follows the the Danish designer through her International Woolmark Prize journey, from landing in Paris to claiming the coveted award for innovation
The impact of rising Nordic talent has never felt as widespread as it has today. From the wave of students emerging from Finland to Norway, and innovative agitators positioned within Iceland to Sweden, the global fashion industry is taking note of what must be in the water that has seen a flourish of free thinkers overspill into the international periphery.
Nobody can stand behind this statement more than Amalie Roege Hove whose recognition at the Woolmark Prize saw her take home the coveted Karl Lagerfeld Award for innovation. A.Roege Hove has been on a steady incline since its inception in 2020, becoming a rising star on the CPHFW schedule and soon evolving into a sartorial mainstay through her evolution of knitwear and her dedication to exploring, reinterpreting and subverting its traditions.
The oldest and one of the most prestigious awards worldwide, the Woolmark Prize has consistently attracted ferociously strong talent – and this year was no different. Following in the footsteps of Roege Hove herself, Vogue Scandinavia followed along to experience a life in a day behind the scenes at the International Woolmark Prize proceedings in Paris, culminating with her triumphant win.
Touchdown in Paris
We’ve landed for the final of the Woolmark Prize where we are a finalist for 2023. The International Woolmark Prize has been on the radar of designers around the world since its inception in 1953, a beacon of support for budding talents at the commencement of their career. We feel lucky to represent Nordic design as the first Danish finalist in over seven years and present our vision for innovative knitwear.
Check in at the hotel
We visit Paris over four times a year for showroom so it’s a familiar city to us which is a nice feeling to hold: returning to a place we know well.
En route to Le Petit Palais
Paris is the most incredible city for architecture and the location for the final of the Woolmark Prize. Held in Le Petit Palais, the building was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle and now houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Art. Tonight it will be the destination for press, buyers and industry to see our collection made especially for the judges to review.
Meeting the other finalists
There are seven other finalists this year, including Bluemarble, Rhude, Lagos Space Programme, Marco Rimmbaldi, Maxxij and Robyn Lynch. Our friends at Paolina Russo are also a finalist. Here we are getting some lunch backstage.
Time for fittings
Fittings backstage with our wonderful showroom model Freesia. The jacket we have dressed her in acts as a window into a weave, showing the techniques we developed for this collection we presented.
Photo call
Photo call for the finalists! It’s so amazing to see so many countries represented, from Nigeria to Ireland, and in turn so many exciting view points from some of the leading designers in the fashion industry today.
Presenting to the judges
Me in my booth with my Woolmark collection awaiting to present to the judges. Including the likes of Peter Mulier, the Creative Director of Alaia to Caroline de Maigret, it’s an incredible opportunity to connect with so many amazing leaders in fashion.
A choreographed presentation
This year Saul Nash, the winner of the Woolmark Prize in 2022, choreographed a beautiful dance performance with dancers dressed in one look from each of the finalists. It was a unique and beautiful way to present all our pieces in such contemporary and elegant motion.
The Supply Chain Award
Borre Akkersdijk, founder of By Borre, was awarded the Supply Chain Award, recognising his work. He was giving the accolade by the hugely inspirational Sinead Burke.
And the winner is...
A moment that I definitely was not expecting! I think you can tell by the look on my face that I can’t believe I was awarded the Karl Lagerfield Award. To be recognised for my designs on such a global scale is an immeasurable feeling. I want to thank the Woolmark team for making this dream a reality.
Time for press
Photo call and interviews with incredible journalists from Vogue Business to The Guardian and Perfect Magazine!
Celebrations
Time to celebrate with the team! From the incredible Rikke Agnete Dam, the fashion editor of Borsen Pleasure, to our design manager, it means a lot to have a support network around you – whom none of this would be possible without. No brand is a solo project - it’s a network of likeminded people and friends.
A post-award meal
Leaving the event feeling like I am on another planet - onwards to Bistrot Victoire for a late night dinner after a whirlwind few days.
Good night
Goodnight on an evening I’m not likely to forget.