Asia: 'Easy-Care' clothing from AWI & Park Avenue

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and India’s largest menswear brand, Park Avenue, are launching a new collection created with Australian Merino wool, including a machine-washable suit, to meet consumer demand for ‘easy-care’ clothing in Asia and the Middle East.
Since 1986 Park Avenue has become one of India’s premium lifestyle brands, known for innovative, modern and stylish apparel using the latest international fabrics. It recently won 'Most Admired Brand' at the Lycra Images Fashion Awards 2007 for the third consecutive year.
“India is Australian Merino wool’s fourth largest customer. With Australian exports to India increasing by 27% annually over the past five years we recognise the importance of this market now and in the future,” said AWI’s chief executive, Craig Welsh.
“Partnerships with key retailers such as Park Avenue ensure Australian Merino wool product is gaining position within the apparel markets domestically and for India’s ever growing export market,” Mr Welsh said.
One of the largest suiting fabric manufacturers in the world and the owner of the Park Avenue label, Raymond Ltd, entered a joint venture with AWI to create the machine-washable suit.
A special finishing application was created through Raymond Ltd’s garmenting Division, Silver Spark, using a wool/poly 60/40 blend to give the suit machine-washable properties. Followed by a selection of inter-lining used in conjunction with new garmenting technology, this is then compatible with the wool/poly fabric.