AWI's Italian job

NATIONAL: Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) looks set to advance its mission to link Australian wool with global fashion branding following a recent Italian showcase.  

A gala evening in Florence on January 10 saw the wool research and development body unveil collections from five emerging designers participating in its Protégé program.

The ranges took to the catwalks following months of preparation and mentoring by eminent fashion identities, with designer-mentor partnerships including: Jean-Pierre Braganza, selected and mentored by Karl Lagerfeld; Kristian Aadnevik, selected and mentored by Donatella Versace; Julian Louie, selected and mentored by Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein; Ioannis Cholidis, selected and mentored by Paul Smith and Sandra Backlund, selected and mentored by Franca Sozzani.

AWI CEO Craig Welsh described the Protégé program and final showcase as an effective way to showcase how one of Australia’s leading exports could be used by the international fashion elite.

"It is a great honour to have our Merino wool aligned to the world’s most prestigious fashion designers. Although the industry and farmers have seen some hardships in recent times, it is rewarding to see the success of this project, which will ultimately benefit many Australians," he said.