Italian fashion powerhouse Ermenegildo Zegna has continued its partnership with local wool growers, announcing the finalists of its 2012 Wool Awards competition.
Millbank farm (Walcha, NSW), Rowensville farm (St Helens, VIC) and Windradeen farm (Mudgee, NSW) are all finalists for the Ermenegildo Zegna Vellus Aureum Trophy.
Meanwhile Glen Stuart farm (Deddington, TAS), Warrane farm (Armidale, NSW) and Windradeen farm (Mudgee, NSW) have been shortlisted for the Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Trophy.
Both competitions are open to Australian and New Zealand wool growers and fleeces.
The Italian-based group has been working with local growers to improve the fineness and quality of their wool for close to 50 years with its award program.
The latest award ceremony will be hosted at a gala dinner on April 2 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne, with the attendance of Paolo Zegna confirmed.
The first Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Trophy was given at a regional competition in Tasmania during 1963, recognising the 'Superfine Skirted Merino Fleece'.
ZEGNA GROUP: Backing wool growers.
