The Green and Gold Fleece

It's been two centuries since Australia exported its first bale of wool. Today, it stands as the world's leading producer of fine merino wool; generating half a billion kilograms of fleece a year. Assia Benmedjdoub takes a look at its warm, fuzzy and very long relationship with the international fashion industry.

MEN WITH FLEECE: In 1870, Australia surpassed Britain as the world's number one wool producer and supplier.

MODEL WEARING NORMAN HARTNELL, 1949: During Britain's second world war effort (1939 - 1945), shearers were prohibited from enlisting as soldiers after they were deemed to be providing an essential service.

MODEL WEARING DORVILLE, 1950: Womenswear label Dorville proved wool's versatility; taking it out of the war-zone and into fashion-forward wardrobes.

MODEL WEARING JOHN CAVANAGH, 1953: Cavanagh continued the trend with sharp A-line dresses in modest hues.

MODEL WEARING DESSÉS, 1962: Strict woollen silhouettes from the 1950s gave way to softer, more playful forms. Felted and boiled wools were a big look during this period.

FASHION SHOOT BY DAVID MIST, 1968: Fashion photographer David Mist captures an intimate moment for the Australian Wool Board.

FASHION SHOOT BY DAVID MIST, 1973: Mist snapped away at a woollen creation for Flair Magazine.

CAMPAIGN SHOT, 2006: Australian Wool Innovation cements its ties with Australian fashion, launching a collaborative campaign called 'Designing a future for the golden fleece'.

AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK, 2006: Australian designer Josephine Nathan made a splash at Fashion Week, showcasing a range of Merino Wool bikinis.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK, 2007: Australian Wool Innovation's golden boy, Jayson Brunsdon wows the American fashion capital with his woolly creation. The designer has been a key wool ambassador for the past 18 months.