Aussie school students design wool for royalty

Over 1100 students from 230 schools across every state from city and country, public and independent schools have taken up the opportunity to design an outfit for a member of a Royal family.

The Duchess of Cambridge, formerly Kate Middleton has been one of the most popular subjects for the design challenge, however The Queen, HRH The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry have also been popular subjects amongst participating students.

It is a fitting theme given HRH The Prince of Wales is the patron of the global Campaign for Wool. Last year's Wool4Skool winner had the opportunity to not only meet the Prince of Wales but explain her design to him in person during the Royal visit to Australia.

Wool4Skool is a design program tailored for the classroom and uses significant resources, written by Design and Textile professionals to provide an easy to teach project in line with learning aims for Year 7 to 10. The program is both a real-life fashion design experience and a chance to learn about the natural properties of Australian wool as a fibre and a fabric.

Design and Technology teacher from Ruyton Girls' School in Melbourne, Jo Roszkowski said she had enjoyed being part of Wool4Skool.

"My students were thrilled to be a part of a real life fashion design scenario - to design for a Royal family member. The resources supplied were really useful and appropriate to the curriculum. The students were amazed by the huge variety of woollen fabrics and their versatility."

Alexandria Brooks is one of Ms Roszkowski's year 9 students. Her entry involved an outfit for the Duchess of Cambridge to wear to the races.

"The wool I used in my garment is Circular knit interlock. I thought it is appropriate for the garment as it is light weight and figure hugging. Wool is great to use as it is breathable, natural, anti-wrinkle and machine washable," Mr Brooks wrote in her creative statement.

Winning entries were to be announced by July 1, however, with such a significant response, judging has been extended and the announcement of winners will now take place on July 15 to allow for the thorough assessment of all entries.

Wool4skool involves over $10,000 in prizes for both teachers and students across years 7 to 10.

The winning year 10 design will be made into reality by leading Australian designer Jonathan Ward and will be featured with a photoshoot in Girlfriend magazine.

Australian Wool Innovation