Designers to be invited to bicentenary

Press, 14 March 1985, Page 33

Designers to be invited to bicentenary

NZPA-AAP Melbourne The world’s leading fashion designers and fabric manufacturers were being invited to pay tribute to Australian wool at the bicentenary in 1988, the Australian Wool Corporation has announced. Its chairman, Mr David Asimus, said the event would provide a unique opportunity for the great international wool industry names to participate in Australia’s 200th anniversary celebrations. . Designers and fabric manufacturers would be asked to create woollen garments and fabrics especially for the bicentennial. The designs and fabrics would be unveiled at a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on January 29, 1988. Mr Asimus said wool had played a very significant role in Australia’s economic development. “While the history of wool is widely appreciated, what is less known and recognised is the vital rokkwool still plays today and 'ts

crucial role in Australia’s future. “In getting the worlds fashion and fabricmaker leaders to come here we shall be bringing together the producers of this great textile fibre and those people in overseas countries who are responsible for creating the end product,” he said. Australians would like to see how the world used Australian wool, while the designers and manufacturers could enjoy the celebrations, he said. Associated with the event would be an expanded young designers award under which young Australian designers would compete for the prize of a year’s work experience with a leading Australian or overseas designer. Wool accounts for 10 per cent of Australia’s exports, with an estimated value this financial year of sAust26oo million. Australia produces 30 per cent of the world’s wool and 70 per cent o&,the world’s apparel wool.