U.S. WOOLMARK WINNER: Joseph Altuzarra, the designer behind Altuzarra, is the U.S. selection for the 2013-14 International Woolmark Prize, which will be awarded during Milan Fashion Week in February.

Altuzarra, whose selection was revealed Tuesday night at Industria Superstudio in New York, will be awarded $100,000 toward his next collection, and have the opportunity to participate in the international competition, representing the U.S. during the final event.



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This story first appeared in the July 10, 2013 issue of WWD. Subscribe Today.

The son of a French-Basque father and an American mother, Altuzarra grew up in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, where he attended a traditional French lycée before moving Stateside to Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. Following internships at Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler, Altuzarra struck out on his own in 2008.

For the next six months, Altuzarra will be asked to develop a capsule collection in merino wool to be showcased along those of the other four finalists from Europe, India, Asia and Australia. The designers will compete for an international prize of 100,000 Australian dollars, or $91,441 at current exchange. The winner’s collection will be carried in top retailers globally such as Harvey Nichols, Saks Fifth Avenue, 10 Corso Como, Joyce and David Jones.