The competition garments are all in, the judges are ready, and tickets are selling for the WoolOn Creative Fashion Awards running this week from Friday to Sunday (August 11-13).

WoolOn design liaison Jamie Richards said the committee is very happy to have three talented judges for the fashion event, one of whom is a local legend.

Clyde local Marnie Kelly, who has been involved in breeding merino sheep since 1976 and set up the high-quality yarn store Touch Yarns is one of the judges. Joining Marnie will be Liz Mitchell MNZM, one of New Zealand’s leading fashion designers and a champion for the country’s wool; and Marielle Van De Ven, an international designer and the creative director of ReCreate. 

The fashion show would take place at The Canyon in Tarras once again, with the venue being a major sponsor. Jamie said the WoolOn committee had listened to feedback from the last show and taken it into account in planning this year’s shows.

One change was moving the fashion show earlier so those attending could first appreciate the beauty of sunset at The Canyon.

“As they arrive, they will get a drink on arrival and canapes will be served on the terrace so they can watch the sun set over the Tarras Plains,” she said. 

Both evenings would be gala-style, with guests seated at tables with table service, and an elevated T-shaped catwalk so everyone got a good view of the designs. Some prizes would be announced on each evening, with a people’s choice award given on both nights.

The 2021 event. The gala-style fashion shows at The Canyon will have guests seated at tables this year, with a raised catwalk for better viewing. PHOTO: The Canyon

The WoolOn Community Expo: A Celebration of Wool would take part on Sunday from 10am until 3pm, with events at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery and across the road at Alexandra Community House. Vendors would offer wool products and tools for working wool, the Alexandra Spinners and Weavers would demonstrate their craft, and local craftspeople would hold workshops for adults and children to learn time-honoured crafts.

Garments from the show would be on display, along with video taken at the fashion shows, Jamie said.

For those wanting to attend the show on Friday or Saturday, buses would run to the venue from Alexandra, Clyde, and Cromwell, with bookings available when buying the show tickets.