The 2012 Australian Wool Fashion Awards (TAWFA) have again mustered hundreds of entries from right across the country, featuring the full spectrum of styles, shapes and wool blend fabrics.
Managing Director of TAWFA, Liz Foster, said that the awards continue to perform an important function, in promoting the use of wool in the fashion industry and in encouraging up-and-coming designers.
“We’re still going strong after 31 years. A wonderful team of volunteers help to make it all possible.
“If they are in year 12 and entered in the schools section, then TAWFA could pave the next step in their career pathway.”
There is a scholarship worth $28,000 up for grabs with the Raffles Institute of Design and Commerce.
Judging took place over a number of days in Armidale last week. The judging panel this year was comprised of The Land Newspaper Chief of Staff, Emma Downey, Media & Communications Co-ordinator for Australian Wool Innovation, Kate Muir and Owner of the Darnell Collection and author, Charlotte Smith. They had over 200 entries to scrutinise. The number was down, but the quality was up.
Ms Smith and her two fellow judges had high praise for the quality of the entries this year, particularly the young school-age designers and the innovative wool blended fabrics. “We’ve got the Audrey Hepburn “My Fair Lady’ look, through to classical race-wear looks. There are tailored designed and floaty looks with wool-chiffon.
“We’ve had a lot of high school entries this year. The quality of their work, the technology, construction, colour combinations, looks and styles – it’s really been outstanding,” she said. “We had a very hard time choosing the winner of the knitwear section. The garments were fashionable and not too “crafty’. Plus, the race-wear, oh-my-gosh! There were some impeccable dresses.
“Menswear is emerging as a growth area in fashion and a real opportunity for young designers,” added Ms Smith.
A formal parade night will be held at Petersons Winery and Guesthouse this Saturday evening. In a first for the Australian Wool Fashion Awards, the local gala night will showcase the best 100 garments from the 2012 awards in a parade under the stars. “The runway will go down the Petersons lawn, after food and wine in the gardens,” Mrs Foster said. “We’re crossing our fingers for fine weather.”
Deborah Hutton will be the celebrity MC for the evening. “It will be fascinating to hear her life story. She has done a lot, starting as a model, editing the Women’s Weekly etc,” Mrs Foster said.
“Tickets are available from the wool awards office at 39 Hargrave Street in Armidale for $120. We are selling out quickly, so I encourage anyone interested in coming along, particularly students, to get tickets as soon as possible.
Story: Gary Fry
