Merino wool wins again at TAWFA

Designers from across Australia and New Zealand have used Merino wool to bring their designs to life as part of the 32nd Australian Wool Fashion Awards.

The 90 finalists were sent down the runway in the gardens of the Historic Saumarez Homestead in Armidale where a colourful array of outfits were paraded; from the Secondary School Alice in Wonderland category to racewear, elegant evening and bridal gowns.

Laura Davis from All Saints Anglican School Merrimac on Queensland’s Gold Coast took out first prize in the School section before taking out the three-year, half-fee degree Scholarship to study at North Sydney’s Raffles College of Design.

Laurel Judd from Napier, New Zealand won both the Racewear and Knitwear sections as well as the Supreme Award, winning a gold and diamond pendant and earrings worth $10,000 donated by Margot Edwina Rees Antiques, Tenterfield.

Workwear winner was QUT student Shea Cameron of Biggera Waters, Queensland while Larissa Murdock from Werribee in Victoria took out the recycled wool category with an outfit made from knitted jumpers sourced from Op Shops. Long time entrant Judy Bond from Buronga, NSW crocheted her way to two second prizes and a first in wearable art.

Jane Frazer from Deniliquin won the evening wear category with a stunning cream and gunmetal pleated gown made from Wool Charné fabric. Libby Spring and Celia Fraser from Fullarton South Australia won the bridal wear with a gown trimmed with Nanna’s lace curtains.

Whitehouse Institute of Design Drawing Scholarships went to Jessica McClatchy from PLC Pymble, NSW and Bianca Scott and Sarah Scott from All Saints Anglican School, Queensland.

Academy of Design Scholarships went to Armidale students Nichola Eliott from New England Girls’ School, Miriam Lott and Edith Rose from Armidale High School.