AUSTRALIAN designer Dion Lee is a finalist in The Woolmark Company's International Woolmark Prize.

After a global search, involving more than 70 designers, the final six designers - including Dion Lee - will compete at London Fashion Week on February 16.

The other finalists include: Ban Xiao Xue of China; Christian Wijnants, from Belgium; Pankaj and Nidhi, from India; DRESSEDUNDRESSED, of Japan; and Sophie Theallet from the US.

The full collections will be unveiled at the International Woolmark Prize awards show with designers competing for the ultimate industry recognition, $105,000 (USD) and the opportunity to be stocked in the most important boutiques around the globe including Harvey Nichols, London; Bergdorf Goodman, NY; 10 Corso Como, Milan; Joyce, China; David Jones, Sydney; and Eickhoff KVnigsallee, Germany.

The International Woolmark Prize aims to shift the focus from glamour to true talent as a way to highlight the beauty of the Merino wool fibre.

The final judging panel is made up of nine of the most important and influential identities in fashion, each one a pillar of the global fashion industry - Diane von Furstenberg; Donatella Versace; Tim Blanks; Franca Sozzani; Victoria Beckham; Andrew Keith; Carla Sozzani; Paula Reed; and Stefan Asbrand Eickhoff.