Designer duo Harman Grubiša recently hit the road for the grand final of the International Woolmark Prize, an event Jessica Grubiša likened to the fashion Olympics.

The New Zealanders presented an innovative six-piece capsule collection showcasing merino wool in Florence last month.

The prestigious top award, previously won by elite fashion legends including Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld, was taken out this year by Bodice in the womenswear category, Matthew Miller in menswear and the 2017/2018 International Woolmark Prize Innovation Award was presented to DYNE designer Christopher Bevans.

Harman Grubiša represented Australia and New Zealand (after taking out the regional title last year) against 65 other designers from more than 60 countries.  The revolutionary designs they showcased is testament to the ingenuity and determination of these two creatives.

A traveller’s dream, their Woolmark pieces were made to be crease and stain-resistant, can be washed in the shower and folded into a handy travel-size clutch.

Ever modest, the pair put their success down to “hard work, perseverance and courage”.

“We work with some of the best people in the industry,” says Madeleine Harman, the brand’s other design half. “They can bring a fresh perspective that you didn’t think about and it’s really important.”

And it is with that mindset that Harman Grubiša, with the help of HP, have taken the concept of reinvention to a whole new level.

“Reinvention to us means ‘the new’ each season. New ways to do things, new ways to look at our ranges, new ways to approach seasons,” says Grubiša.

We’re sure this won’t be the last we see of Harman Grubiša at the International Woolmark Prize.

Check out the video above to see the behind-the-scenes design process. To get to know more about the women behind the brand, visit FQ.co.nz/meetharmangrubisa.