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Multi-function innovative wool designs took centre stage at this year’s Wool4School competition featuring a jacket that transforms into a bag, a stage costume capable of converting into a hip-hop street outfit and a practical multi-function design that offers the versatility to take one outfit from the office to home and back again.
In 2018, students were invited to design a multifunctional outfit which truly highlighted innovation and creativity.
Open to all Australian school students from years 7 to 12 Wool4School, an initiative of The Woolmark Company, invites students to design an outfit using a minimum of 80% Australian Merino wool.
First launched in 2012, Wool4School has involved more than 65,000 students nationwide, not only learning the fundamentals of fashion design but also exploring the benefits and versatility of wool and the fabric it creates.
AWI Project Manager of Education and Extension Ashley Hollis highlighted the 2018 competition showcased the young emerging design talent throughout Australia.
“I was really impressed with the high number of entries from South Australia and Western Australia,” Ms Hollis said.
“Students came up with some interesting ideas from jackets that turn into sleeping bags and hats that turn into purses whilst exploring with some of wool’s new innovations.
The Year 10 winner was Cecilia Cheah from GRC Penshurst Girls Campus in NSW. Her design stood out to judging panel member Jonathan Ward for its combination of versality, functionality and fashion.
“The winning entry by Cecilia Cheah titled the convertible coat was outstanding and well thought through in her presentation,” Mr Ward highlighted.
Year 12 winner is Jenny Lee from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in South Australia.
“The competition has taught me many new things about wool innovation and the textile industry. From the various types of textures that wool can create, to the environmentally friendly benefits the material has on our planet, the competition has allowed me to attain a new-found interest in the growing Australian industry,” said Jenny.
Jenny has won a scholarship to study at the prestigious Whitehouse Institute of Design. Institute founder Leanne Whitehouse said Jenny Lee showed exceptional talent in drawing and fashion design.
“Her fashion knowledge and creative approach to this design competition showed maturity and enormous fashion flair,” Ms Whitehouse stated.
“Jenny’s understanding of the many amazing properties ofwoollen textiles was successfully addressed in her contemporary dress design and in the design of her fashion accessories.”
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