The Woolmark Company has announced its latest educational program, the Woolmark Incubation Lab, which aims to develop the talent of emerging Australian and New Zealand designers and honours-level graduates.
The program is open to a total of 20 designers by direct invitation and features a range of educational workshops and speaker sessions.
The inaugural edition of the event will engage with 12 designers across a day providing them with one-on-one mentorship sessions with industry-leading experts in fields of brand and creative direction, sustainability, supply chain mapping and resourcing, digital engagement and the latest product innovations in wool.
The day will also feature guest speakers, including Eco-Age’s Charlotte Turner and 2018 International Woolmark Prize winner Ruchika Sachdeva of Bodice Studio who will offer guidance, insights and support.
In a statement The Woolmark Company said that the program demonstrates the business' commitment to educating the future of Australian fashion on the benefits of wool.
"The Woolmark Incubation Lab bolsters the company’s commitment to education and industry support, ensuring Australian wool remains a leading, progressive fibre for consideration by manufacturers, designers, brands and students.
"The Woolmark Company’s in-house talent development programs allow the wool industry to educate the future of fashion on the benefits and skills for working with wool.
"By instilling this knowledge at an early stage, we are securing future demand for the fibre within the luxury industry."
The inaugural Woolmark Incubation Lab designers of 2019 are:
- Aaizel
- Anna Quan
- A.BCH
- Blair Archibald
- Chloe Mottau
- Commas
- ESSE Studios
- Jacinta James
- Maggie Marilyn
- Matteau
- MNDATORY
- Nagnata
The program adds to the suite of educational resources and programs The Woolmark Company offers to emerging fashion talent including the Wool4School program and the Woolmark Performance Challenge.