Multi-function innovation features in Wool4School 2018
Multi-function innovative wool designs took centre stage at this year’s Wool4School competition featuring a jacket that transforms into a bag, a stage costume capable of converting into a hip-hop street outfit and a practical multifunction design that offers the versatility to take one outfit from the office to home and back again.
In 2018, students were invited to design a multi-functional outfit which truly highlighted innovation and creativity, and were given access to an extensive resource library and free samples of both knitted and woven fabric in the classroom.
Now in its eighth year, Wool4School invites students to think about the versatility of various wool fabrics as part of a creative design of their own.
Australian Wool Innovation Project Manager of Education and Extension Ashley Hollis highlighted the 2018 competition showcased the young emerging design talent throughout Australia.
“I was really impressed with the high number of entries from South Australia and Western Australia,” Ms Hollis said. “Students came up with some interesting ideas from jackets that turn into sleeping bags and hats that turn into purses whilst exploring with some of wool’s new innovations.
"Congratulations to all students who entered the 2018 awards with such a high calibre of entries. I encourage them to enter again next year.”
The Year 10 winner was Cecilia Cheah from GRC Penshurst Girls Campus in NSW. Her design stood out to judging panel member Jonathan Ward for its combination of versality , functionality and fashion.
“The winning entry by Cecilia Cheah titled the convertible coat was outstanding and well thought through in her presentation,” Mr Ward highlighted.
"“The winning entry by Cecilia Cheah titled the convertible coat was outstanding and well thought through in her presentation,” Mr Ward highlighted."
Year 12 winner is Jenny Lee from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in South Australia. Jenny has won a scholarship to study at the prestigious Whitehouse Institute of Design.
Year 12 winner is Jenny Lee from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in South Australia. Jenny has won a scholarship to study at the prestigious Whitehouse Institute of Design.
Institute founder Leanne Whitehouse said Jenny Lee showed exceptional talent in drawing and fashion design.
“Her fashion knowledge and creative approach to this design competition showed maturity and enormous fashion flair,” Ms Whitehouse stated.
“Jenny’s understanding of the many amazing properties of woollen textiles was successfully addressed in her contemporary dress design and in the design of her fashion accessories.
“I look forward to welcoming Jenny Lee to either our Melbourne or Sydney campus in 2019 and to the Bachelor of Design.
"I would also like to extend congratulations to the runner-up Cherono Sigei, and highly commend all 2018 Wool4School applicants for the high standard of their very innovative and versatile entries.”"
Winner of the Teacher Prize in 2018 was Alison Stewart from Nowra Christian School in New South Wales who highlighted the important role teachers play in the Wool4School competition bringing fashion into the classroom and engaging students in the brief and accessing the many resources available.
With around 16,150 registrations, participation in Wool4School 2018 highlights the resurgence in wool as a fabric of choice for innovative designers of the future.
Year level and teacher winners were spread widely across Australia.
