PFF update: A touch of wool III
From Perth Fashion Festival | 09 Sep 2010
Land, science and design combines to produce ‘a touch of wool III’
The beauty and comfort of Western Australian superfine Merino wool was on show at the 2010 Perth Fashion Festival today at a touch of wool III.
a touch of wool III is a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Food and Curtin University, focused on merging science and design.
Department Livestock Industries Executive Director Kevin Chennell said a touch of wool III provided an opportunity for wool industry stakeholders to work together to increase market demand for WA-grown Merino wool.
“For the past five years, this partnership has been working to improve the links between wool production, processing and handling to encourage designers to use wool in their creations,” he said.
“The department has drawn on extensive research and experience with processors to develop technical specifications to process wool and optimise its versatility and comfort.”
This year’s superfine Merino wool was supplied by the West Australian Superfine Woolgrowers’ Association, to further enhance the relationship between wool producers, scientists and designers.
“We hope this will signal future industry involvement and encourage future opportunities for commercial partners to take this collaboration forward,” Mr Chennell said.
The superfine wool is featured in collections created by five emerging WA fashion design labels. The show also featured ‘Tube Garments’ designed by Curtin’s Fashion and Textile Design students.
The collections will also feature in a 30 page catalogue.
Prof Linda Kristjanson, DVC Research and Development at Curtin University, said the partnership provided participants with a unique opportunity to unite towards a common goal.
“Designers don’t often get to work with the producers and processors of their product and vice versa,” she said.
“a touch of wool III makes this connection, giving each partner an insight into the requirements and challenges each other faces so they can work together for mutual benefit.”
The a touch of wool III catalogue is available by telephoning (08) 9355 0020.
(Main picture: Dress by Rebecca Timson)