Rahul Mishra has scooped the prestigious International Woolmark Prize 2014.

The designer, who was chosen to represent India and the Middle East in the annual contest, beat off competition from names including Sibling, who represented Europe, and Altuzarra for the US.

'I feel like this is a dream and this is giving me new hopes for my future career,' the designer said on being awarded the prize - $100,000 Australian dollars, plus the opportunity to be stocked insome of the world's most important retailers, including Harvey Nichols, Saks Fifth Avenue and mytheresa.com - following a show at Milan Fashion Week today.

'This award will change the perception of global fashion in regards to Indian fashion and this is all because wool - an amazing fibre, the fibre of possibilities.'

His Merino wool collection featured intricate embroideries, which wowed an expert judging panel boasting Frida Giannini, Franca Sozzani, Tim Blanks, Colette Garnsey, Angelica Cheung, Alexa Chung and representatives from the prize's retail partners.

'For me, Rahul has won because of his ability to apply his knowledge of embroideries through wool, one of the most versatile fibres with originality in an unexpected way,' explained Giannini.

Added Chung: 'His interpretation was so delicate and beautiful. I was really moved by Rahul's story. I believe he is well deserving of this award.'

His winning collection will land in the prize's partner retailers in August.

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