Australian Merino Wool Spotlighted at the Hong Kong Fashion Week
20 January 2017 – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 48th Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer (16-19 January) included a seminar titled “The Woolmark Company Presents: Seminar on “The Wool Lab S/S18” at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
During the seminar, Brian Tam, Project Manager, Fashion and Marketing HK, The Woolmark Company, highlighted the potential of Australian Merino wool and explored the latest wool trends for next year’s spring and summer collections.
Australian Merino Wool shaking up the fashion industry
Australian Merino Wool has long earned a reputation as the finest and softest wool produced globally and its potential continues to shine through in the Spring/Summer 2018 collection. According to Mr Tam, the soft and high performance Merino enabled designers to develop a wide variety of designs that are suitable for all seasons and disciplines, making it a premier material in luxury apparel. The fabric is also a favourite among influential fashion designers and brands, such as Sir Paul Smith, who collaborated with the Woolmark Company to develop a collection called British Collection in Spring/Summer 2014 with Merion wool.
Unveiling the next wool trends
The Wool Lab Spring/Summer 2018 has set out six fashion-oriented themes, along with two entirely dedicated to the sports and outdoor sectors, highlighting the technical benefits of the natural fibre. For the first time ever, The Wool Lab will also include fabrics and yarns dedicated to Wool Denim. It provides a seasonal sourcing guide to the textile industry, fashion professionals and retailers and in turn, inspiring industry players to explore the full potential Merino wool.
During the seminar, Mr Tam unveiled the following key themes:
· English Gentlemen at Lord’s – Inspired by the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, the finest and lightweight Merino fabrics can be combined with the lightweight Cool Wool to transform into summer sports jackets, blazers, suits and waistcoats with trousers in pastel colours, navy blue, red and white.
· One Piece– Popular since the 1970s, the comfortable and close-fitting one piece has become a must-have for women. With the use of Merino Wool, designers may achieve a greater variety of fashion styles while reducing the shape loss in garments and adding comfort to the clothing.
· Flea Market– Flea market is the place where personal styles, emerging young brands and classics converge. Knitwear with a mix of colour prints, small pattern jacquards, and printed wool denim would exemplify the theme in the next spring/summer collection.
· Secret Garden– The theme demonstrates a simple elegance inspired by a florist’s intimate world. With a mix of wool and materials such as viscose, linen, cotton and so on, a comfortable, relaxed, positive and humble lifestyle is presented.
· On the Road– The idea comes from the desire to leave and to travel aimlessly. The spirit of freedom is integrated into casual clothing designs with easy care fabrics, such as woven checks in Cool Wool Merino stripes, wool denim comfort and mini prints on wool cotton, as well as UV control Merino.
· Laboratorio (Laboratory) – The theme originates from the new way in fashion where old techniques, experimental technologies and fresh minds are all mixed to create and transform materials into unique products. Hand painted fabric and yearns, partial dyeing, vintage look knits, laser cut patterns would unleash new design styles.
· Active–The most technically performing wool fabrics and yarns is mixed with technical fibres to ensure the best results during physical activity. Examples of this theme highlight the technology enriched with the most innovative finishing treatments, suitable to match every climate and occasion.
· Athleisure– Riding the wave of this increasing trend, athleisure blurs the line between fashion and active wear. Merino wool’s ability to combine comfort and flexibility with casual elegance positions it well to cater to this growing market.
· The Wool Lab Denim– Wool Denim fabrics are a new approach to improving the aesthetics of traditional denim fabric. New technologies enhance the warmth of clothing, and allow fabric to be naturally dyed indigo.
The four-day Fashion Week for Fall/Winter welcomed more than 1,500 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions to showcase the latest fashion designs and products. During the fair, more than 20 events are held, including runway shows, fashion showcases, trend seminars thematic forums and networking events.
Fair Websites:
Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter: http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkfashionweekfw-en/
CENTRESTAGE: http://www.centrestage.com.hk
Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer: http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkfashionweekss-en/
Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Joe Kainz Tel: (852) 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
Media Registration: Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.
To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc
About the HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
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Brian Tam, Project Manager, Fashion and Marketing HK, The Woolmark Company, highlights the potential of Australian Merino wool and explores the latest wool trends for next year’s spring and summer collections |
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The Wool Lab is a seasonal guide to top wool textiles, in line with the leading trends for Spring/Summer 2018 |
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The “The Woolmark Company Presents: Seminar on “The Wool Lab S/S18” is a highlight of the 2017 HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre |