The Campaign for Wool celebrates fibre's legacy and potential

School of Design staff and students have a big role to play at the launch of The Campaign for Wool into New Zealand at the College of Creative Arts in Wellington this Friday.

The week is part of an international series of campaign launches celebrating the legacy of the fibre and how it continues to evolve - in terms of its trading potential for exporters and versatility for designers.

Its global objective is to bring wool back into fashion and to highlight it as a fibre that is an eco-friendly and durable option to cheaper and more disposable alternatives.

The invitation only launch event on June 10 features work by student designers from the Design School’s Institute of Design for Industry and Environment. It showcases this iconic New Zealand fibre and its products via an interactive exhibition.

The event includes designs by graduates Marie Kelly and Greer Osborne whose work has already been recognised with fashion industry awards, and Jess Williamson whose designs are focused on using traditional fibres and craftwork.

“Being an avid lover of wool and all its benefits I am excited to be promoting the development of wool for new design products,” says Deb Cumming, head of the fashion department at Massey.

“At present we are developing a five year plan for design research and development across the Institute’s main discipline areas of fashion, textile, industrial and spatial design, and this will include international exhibitions to showcase the potential that this regenerative natural fibre provides.”

The signature event for the global campaign is an international exhibition, including work by New Zealand fashion identities, at the art gallery and auction house La Galleria in London’s Pall Mall in September.