“The look is easy and happy, and the world needs that right now,” said Suket Dhir.

The bespoke designs of New Delhi label Suketdhir have unanimously won the 2015-2016 International Woolmark Menswear Prize, judged by an impressive panel of judges drawn from across the fashion world and The Woolmark Company.

The award was presented at an event at Pitti Uomo, the world’s premier menswear trade fair in Florence this week. The judges were impressed by the dreamy collection, praising the finely wrought and original details.”Today romance won,” said Stuart McCullough, Managing Director of The Woolmark Company.

An east meets west romance is rendered in lightweight wool, with breezy oversized proportions which borrow from traditional Indian dress. Not just merging east and west, but also bridging traditional construction like hand-embroidery with modern production, Suketdhir’s innovation extends right down to the silk-like wool fibres.

The demonstrably overwhelmed winner said, “I’ve done what I could in India, and this is the best thing that could happen to me, for me to move in a bigger way. I think I’m ready for the world, and I also think the world is ready for me and for this kind of aesthetic.” Certainly the world is a step closer with the AU$100,000 prize and ongoing industry mentorship.