“Our farmers are excellent environmental stewards, and around 2 in 5 bales of our clip would meet the European Union Eco-label criteria.
“Today Australia is the world's dominant apparel wool producing nation, which makes it fitting that we should be showing clothing that was designed and created in the fashion capitals of the world and made from Australian Merino wool; right here at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.
“Current estimates of the value of Australian Merino wool at the retail level are between 60 and 80 billion dollars.
“The 200 year anniversary of Australian wool heralds one of the biggest global marketing initiatives that AWI has ever undertaken.
“This is not only about celebrating our proud heritage, but also about showing what we have to offer our business partners for the future. AWI has already established strong business relationships with major retailers, manufacturers and designers around the world.
“We will be showcasing our amazing heritage in Sydney, London, Paris, Florence and New York as part of our commemoration of 200 years of Australian Merino wool.
“But when we revisit Florence it will be to unveil the Australian Merino wool collections of five protégés of major international fashion identities.
“Top fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld, Donatella Versace, Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein and Paul Smith are mentoring five young protégés, who will each create a fashion line made exclusively from Australian Merino wool.
“Franca Sozzani, the editor of Vogue Italy will also be working with a protégé. The project highlights the strong relationship Australian Merino wool has with Italian designers, who have always held Merino wool in the highest esteem.
“AWI is proud to present the Fashion from Fleece exhibition in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum.”
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
marketing@alchempro.com
