Wool For Every Conditions

Designers, retailers and fashion practitioners gathered at the workshop/seminar organized by Femina Group and The Woolmark Company in Grand Hyatt Hotel Ballroom on Monday [31/8] to wipe out the notion that wool material is not suitable for use in tropical countries. The workshop is a part of Jakarta Fashion Week 2016 events, as well as a campaign of The Woolmark Company for Cool Wool products, which promotes wool as a fabric that is suitable for a variety of conditions.

AWI Global Manager Raj Bahl, who has four decades of experience in wool production from the basic material to the garment-making, found Australian Merino wool fits perfectly with the idea to create a collection of clothing that can be worn in all seasons. "I think Indonesia has grown to have consumers that do not really follow trends – they want something that can be worn in a long time," said Raj. "[Merino] wool is a lightweight material, it absorbs heat… [Wool] allows designers some freedom to be creative, and the material can maintain the shape of clothes you want to accomplish pretty well."
 
The discussion also leads to how craftsmen and factories have been actively cooperating with designers to develop types of wool fabrics that are suitable for their collection. "The main thing that has changed from wool producers is that they become more flexible," said Rob Langtry, Chief Strategy and Marketing of Woolmark International. "Designers come to us and say 'We want to make clothes like this,' and we would say 'Yes, we'll see what we can do for you.' We want to help, because we want to engage in the business. We want to create a partnership. "
 
Rob also said that the process of making wool is increasingly becoming an important factor, especially in Asian markets. "The market is very concerned with comfort, they are interested in the origin of the material, from fiber to fabrication techniques and production sites," he said. "Therefore Indonesia is the right partner, with the fashion industry that is getting smarter and growing constantly."
 
Some of the most influential designers today, including Paul Smith, Jonathan Saunders, Lou Dalton and Christopher Raeburn, has introduced wool into their current designs. Its popularity with bespoke tailor Savile Row and international designer shows no sign of stopping, as more and more people start switching to natural fibers to obtain quality, luxurious style and comfort.