Woolgrowers, industry leaders and Government representatives attended an industry function at Parliament House in Canberra last night to commemorate 200 years of Australia’s successful international wool trade.
This event is one in a series of events held around the world by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to commemorate 200 years of Australian wool. It was in 1807 that the first bale of Australian wool was sent to Britain with the intent of commercial sale, thus establishing the Australian wool trade.
Both the United Kingdom and Italy have paid tribute to the successful 200 year-old working relationship between Australian woolgrowers and European buyers, with events to commemorate the milestone. In Florence, Italy at Pitti Uomo on June 21 an exciting new international designer Protégé Project was announced.
The Protégé Project will see top fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld, Donatella Versace, Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, Paul Smith and the editor of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani mentoring five young protégés, who will each create a fashion collection made primarily from Australian Merino wool.
AWI’s collaboration with the world’s most respected bespoke tailors and their representative organisation, Savile Row Bespoke, was also launched at a unique event held at the British Ambassador’s residence in Paris. Bespoke tailors created suits especially for the event.
A long-term collaboration with the distinguished Savile Row Bespoke Association was also announced at the event, which highlighted the important role Australian Merino wool has played within the history of bespoke tailoring dating back as far as the early 1800s when the trade of wool was first established between Australia and the UK.
“The event at Parliament House last night was an opportunity to inform Government, wool industry officials, and key stakeholders in the Australian wool industry about the 200 year milestone,” said AWI Deputy Chairman Brian van Rooyen.
“But it was not just about looking back – there is a strong focus on our future as leaders of a global industry, and the research innovations that continue to make Australian Merino wool the fibre of choice around the world.
“I would like to acknowledge Minister for Trade, Warren Truss who has worked closely with the Australian wool industry on the quota issue of late, who also addressed the function.”
