SYDNEY--16 Jan--Medianet International-AsiaNet/InfoQuest In an initiative designed to knit together leading fashion designers and Australia’s finest Merino wool, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has unveiled the one-off collections of five up and coming fashion designers from around the globe at an exclusive event in Florence. The collections, all created with Australian Merino wool as the primary fibre, were the result of Project Prot?g? — an idea that saw fashion industry icons Donatella Versace, Karl Lagerfeld, Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, Paul Smith and Franca Sozzani (Editor, Vogue Italia) identify and mentor five promising, talented prot?g?s over the last few months. To cement Australian Merino wool’s position on the lucrative international fashion stage, the five prot?g?s showcased their collections at an exclusive Gala evening held during the Pitti Immagine Uomo exhibition at the Palazzo Corsini, Florence. The event offered a unique opportunity to see how one of Australia’s leading exports is used by the international fashion elite to getto its final destination. “It is a great honour to have our Merino wool aligned to the world’s most prestigious fashion designers. Although the industry and farmers have seen some hardships in recent times, it is rewarding to see the success of this project - that will ultimately benefit many Australians,” said Craig Welsh, CEO, AWI. Launched in early 2007 by AWI, Project Prot?g? appointed Versace, Lagerfeld, Costa, Smith and Sozzani to select and introduce an up and coming prot?g? of their choice. The challenge presented to the prot?g?s was to create a collection of garments with Australian Merino wool. After months of hard work and dedication, by both the designers and their prot?g?s, the collections presented were highly commended by all attendees. The purpose of Project Prot?g? was to not only showcase some of the most beautiful and luxurious Merino yarns and fabrics that Australia produces, but to also pave the way for and support young talent — a passion greatly shared by those who have put fleece or fashion at the heart of their lives and who understand the importance of ensuring a future for Merino wool in the fashionworld. “AWI is proud to be working with young international designers who have achieved so much and for whom we see a very successful future. The project highlights the strong relationship Australian Merino wool has with the Italian fashion and textile industries, who have always held Merino in the highest esteem,” says Welsh. The prot?g? program sees AWI achieve a fundamental milestone in the world of fashion and celebrate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the first bale of Merino wool to Europe from Australia, commemorating two centuries of quality, luxury and fashion leadership. For further information, images and interview requests AWI Press Office Louisa Galligani Tel: +61 2 9286 1229 Mb: +61 421 323 278 [email protected] SOURCE: Australian Wool Innovation Image Attachments Links: http://asianetnews.net/ViewImage.asp?ID=87634 --Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--