These two little girls wearing Merino wool stole the show! (EFWA2018 / David Woolley)

If you think wool is just to keep you warm in the winter months, well think again!  Merino wool is a super fibre that not only can keep you warm, but can also keep you cool. It wicks away moisture, travels well, and keeps body odors at bay. In recent years it's been making its way into active wear.

Wool is one of the most sustainable fibres on the planet says Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) organizers, and they tell us that Western Australia produces 71 million kg wool per year, with over 95% of Merino wool destined for the high end fashion market. "It is a perfect choice for sustainable clothing and a prominent component of our event," said Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, founder of EFWA.

With that in mind, on November 15th, the second annual eco event presented the Merino Wool Design Challenge sponsored by Fremantle-based wool merchant, Scanlan Wools Pty Ltd and their partnering company Sunshine Textile Group from China.

A visit to Scanlan Wools in Perth Australia. An EFWA model holds a sample of Merino wool. (Photo: Robbin Whachell)

The many looks of Merino wool. ((EFWA2018 photos / David Woolley))

Western Australian student fashion designers and established eco designers had earlier this year taken up the challenge to create one special garment having been given 3 metres of Merino fabric. This fabric, created with superfine 18.5 micron fibres from Scanlan’s Merino wool growers, was sent to China to be woven at Sunshine’s wool mill and then returned to Perth where it was distributed to the chosen designers. 

Designers who presented were: Molly Ryan, Sarina Roose, Dana Checksfield from Curtin University; Maisey Gedded, Philippa Canavan, Winston Felices Addon from Edith Cowan University; Caitlin Gerken, Pamela Prince, Anika Engelbrecht, Rebekah Grimlinger, from South Metropolitan TAFE Bentley Campus; Scanlan Collective; Skylark The Label; Clawdi; Gemini Kite, Fabric By Nature, and Green Embassy.

We think the results were outstanding! The variety of colours (using natural dyes), and the creative use of fabrics truly showed the versatility of Merino wool, and the talent of the designers.

We love that EFWA holds community, sustainability, and education at its core while also promoting locally, ethically produced fashion, conservation, and sustainability education.  The event is being held at the Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

For EFWA2018 event details go to www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com

About the author: Robbin Whachell is a publicist, writer, photo-journalist; and the co-founder of TheBahamasWeekly.com. She can be reached at robbinwhachell@gmail.com 

(EFWA2018 / David Woolley)

(EFWA2018 / David Woolley)

(EFWA2018 / David Woolley)

After the runway show, each designer walked out with their creation. This dress was definitely a crowd favourite. (EFWA2018 / David Woolley)