Textile student Elizabeth Alexander's award-winning entry.
Through sponsorship of the prestigious Bradford Textile Society Awards, AWI continues to promote Merino wool to tertiary textile students in the UK.
The bushfires that devastated parts of rural Australia six months ago were not only news in Australia, they were also widely reported across the world. Up in Scotland, textile student Elizabeth Alexander of Heriot-Watt University was so moved by the events that they inspired her entry in this year's Bradford Textile Society Awards.
Her distinctive design certainly caught the eye of the judges – she won The Woolmark Company Award in the renowned competition. Entrants had to create an innovative wool-rich fabric which can be used for fashion/accessories or for interior products. The fabric had to contain a minimum of 60% Merino wool and highlight the versatility and natural benefits of the luxury fibre.
"This project came from a desire to raise awareness of the increasing occurrences of extreme weather due to climate change. Wildfires have become common news and have a devastating impact on the local communities," said Elizabeth.
The Woolmark Company sponsors the award to promote Merino wool amongst the next generation of designers. The awards offer an excellent opportunity for future textile designers to have their work recognised by the most important people within the industry. As part of the prize, Elizabeth has the opportunity to complete one week's work experience with a well-known brand.
"Elizabeth's designs stood out for being of the moment having taken her inspiration from the catastrophic bushfires across Australia. Elizabeth demonstrated a mature and innovative response to climate change. Her use of colour was particularly striking," added The Woolmark Company's Product and Education Extension Manager for the UK, Louise Campbell.
This article appeared in the June 2020 edition of AWI's Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged, however prior permission must be obtained from the Editor.
