The International Woolmark Prize award stands as one of the most prestigious fashion awards in the industry. Highly anticipated by many and with thousands of applicants per year, this year one young designer by the name of Matty Bovan has taken home not just one but both awards including the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation.

A history defining moment for Bovan with a total cash prize of $300 000, the New York based UK designer and former Central Saint Martins graduate was selected by International Woolmark Prize's distinguished panel of judges including designer Thom Browne, Tim Blanks, Carine Roitfeld and Ib Kamara.

“What impressed me about Matty is his capacity to win both awards – for his innovation and creativity and I really think he deserves it... He is pure fashion, he makes me dream and he reminds me of a young Vivienne Westwood or a John Galliano and we desperately need that sort of designer in the fashion world of today,” states Carine Roitfeld.

Less is More was the theme for this year's International Woolmark Prize placing spotlight on Australian Merino wool and responsible fashion practices with Matty Bovan's designs captivating the judges in his innovations using advanced knitwear and weaving techniques and his conceptually bold approach to design. Combined with an angle in sustainability and locally sourcing production methods, Bovan was dubbed by Thom Browne as a true individual and a leader in his field.

Matty Bovan's entry collection, titled Ode to the Sea drew inspiration from escapism, also giving new life to discarded fabrics in his efforts to tighten supply chains and local resources. The former Central Saint Martins Fashion Knitwear graduate and designer of his line titled Bovan has sung much praise.

Judge and designer Thom Browne tells Bovan “when I see your collection, I see moving things forward and a real hunger for showing people what they haven't seen before and that is something that is really necessary right now and so inspiring.”

What's next for the young designer is yet to be revealed, however Bovan states "being a part of the International Woolmark Prize has really helped elevate my brand and elevate my awareness and knowledge of how I operate as a business and as a label. It’s been amazing and I have loved every minute of it.”

More information on the International Woolmark Prize is available on woolmarkprize.com.