This year’s WoolOn creative fashion event is attracting some big names, with Nom*d owner Margi Robertson and Christina Grant from Perriam part of the judging team for the first time.

Being held at the Alexandra Bowling Club, the August 31 gala awards event is almost a sell-out, but tickets are still available for the matinee reveal show.

This year organisers are also celebrating 20 years of WoolOn, and have introduced a new award to encourage the younger generations to get creative with wool.

The Under 13 School Designer Award invites anyone in primary or intermediate school to enter their wearable wool fashion creation, and provides a promotional platform for its future designers. 

The addition of the Matinee Reveal event on the afternoon of Saturday August 31 coincides with WoolOn's efforts to appeal to a wider age range.

The event will celebrate both the Under 18 and Under 13 designers as well as show a full run through of all the entries in every design category.

Event coordinator Jamie Richards said encouraging young talent is vital for the future of fashion design and for the future of wool advocacy and the environment. 

“We want as many schools as possible to encourage their pupils to enter a creation. For those simply looking to have some fun, we also have the Pink Wool Plaster Challenge using bright pink wool plasters donated by Wool Aid NZ."

Anyone wanting to enter their fashion design has until July 31 to submit an expression of interest via the WoolOn website.

Those interested in the Pink Wool Plaster Challenge can contact the WoolOn team to request a supply of plasters.

“But be quick if you want your designs to stick.”

Returning judge Liz Mitchell makes up the third person on the panel, alongside Robertson who has been involved in the Eden Hore collection, and Grant who grew up amidst merino farming heritage on Bendigo Station, before starting her Perriam fashion label.