Godfrey Hirst is proud to be a principal partner of the National Wool Museum and the We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize 2025 – a globally significant initiative spotlighting the next generation of fashion designers committed to creativity, ethics, and environmental innovation.

Held in Geelong, a UNESCO City of Design, We the Makers is a biennial celebration of emerging talent from across Australia and around the world. This year, 20 visionary finalists, with less than 10 years’ experience, have been selected from over 150 entries spanning 13 countries, including strong representation from Geelong’s own thriving design community. The exhibition showcases garments that revive traditional techniques, reimagine textile waste, and push the boundaries of what sustainable fashion can look like in 2025 and beyond.

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“The City of Greater Geelong is committed to supporting emerging fashion designers embracing innovative and sustainable practices in the textile industry. Our city has a legacy in manufacturing and being on the cutting edge of technology and this prize speaks to local research into sustainable fibres and future practices that will help revolutionise the global fashion industry. As a UNESCO City of Design, this is a major program that is embraced by our network of Cities from around the world,” says Geelong Deputy Mayor, Ron Nelson.

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Custom flooring for a purposeful space

To support this future-focused event, GH Commercial has provided custom Designer Jet® carpet for the exhibition, made locally in Geelong, Victoria. This flooring brings artistry underfoot, complementing the bold visual language of the garments and enhancing the visitor experience.

“We believe thoughtful design should be embedded in every layer of a space. Partnering with the National Wool Museum allows us to celebrate young creatives and champion purposeful design,” says GH Commercial National Sales Manager, Joel Williamson.

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A shared commitment to sustainability

The finalists of this year’s We the Makers represent a powerful blend of creativity, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability. At GH Commercial, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. From responsible manufacturing to circular thinking and product end-of-life, we are continually innovating to reduce our impact and contribute to more sustainable built environments. Supporting a program that champions these same values is both a natural alignment and a meaningful opportunity to elevate purpose-driven design.

Celebrating the winners of 2025 Sustainable Fashion Prize

GH Commercial is proud to announce the winners of this year’s We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize:

National Wool Museum Designer of the Year Award: UNBOUND by SHIYO, created by Shiva Yousefpour, $10,000 and acquisition into the Museum’s permanent collection.

Mayoral Award: Pivot City Punk by Isobel Hyland.

Coastal Country by Sherry Johnstone was selected for the ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres Innovation Mentorship, Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials.

Winners were selected by an international jury of fashion and sustainability leaders, including First Nations independent curator and arts consultant Shonae Hobson, renowned curator Circe Henestrosa, and artist-programmer Sai-Wai Foo.

Voting is now open for the UNESCO City of Design People’s Choice Award with a $2,000 prize for the designer who captures the public’s vote (announced during Geelong Design Week 2025).

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Exhibition details

Duration: 14 June – 30 November 2025

Location: National Wool Museum, Geelong

Book Online Now.

Architecture & Design Team

GH Commercial

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