The unique style and versatility of wool will be highlighted at the 2009 Perth Fashion Festival when the a touch of wool II collection hits the catwalk today.
The collection is the result of an ongoing partnership called DesignforComfort between the Department of Agriculture and Food and Curtin University of Technology.
Eight emerging fashion and textile designers, who are recent Curtin graduates, have designed garments for the festival, which are also featured in a 40-page catalogue.
Department Acting Director General Malcolm Goff said a touch of wool II was a highlight of the science and design partnership between the department and Curtin to capture new markets.
“This partnership enables scientists, designers, farmers and other stakeholders in the wool industry to work together to develop wool products that meet consumer needs and seize market opportunities,” he said.
“The department is also working closely with Curtin students to promote an understanding of what is required to produce a quality product that is comfortable against the skin. They also get to use new technology that can produce a superior product.
“By liaising with designers, the department is able to directly apply its research to develop a product that can then be taken to the market and, ultimately, increase wool consumption and on-farm productivity.”
The a touch of wool II project aims to promote emerging designers, encourage them to use wool and to provide them with technical support and mentoring by both department and Curtin staff.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket said the partnership would benefit both the wool industry and designers.
“The partnership gives students and other designers exposure to wool, which is so much a part of our local landscape, that they would not have had otherwise,” Professor Hacket said.
“It is also a wonderful illustration of Curtin’s School of Design and Art working with leading scientific organisations to provide solutions to real world problems and give students valuable experiences that will serve them well for the future.”
The a touch of wool II catalogue is available from the DesignforComfort offices on (08) 9355 0020.
