With Eco Luxe being one of the key themes at this years 63rd edition of Pitti Filati, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) have responded with a unique collection of the finest Australian Merino wool yarns from around the world to showcase to the luxury end of the market.
For Autumn/Winter 09/10, AWI presents the Prestige Collection entitled, fifteen&finer, a collection of yarns that have been made from Merino fibre of 15 micron or less which tell the story of ultra-fine Merino wool originating from Australia.
The collection is a showcase to demonstrate the ultimate softness, strength and resilience of Merino wool fibre compared to similar noble fibres.
Australia is the world’s largest producer of Merino wool. Accounting for more than half the world production of apparel wool, Australian woolgrowers are world-leaders in quality wool production. One quarter of Australia is used for Merino wool production, sourced from a diverse and challenging range of geographical and climatic regions, from the desert to the ocean with one of the most variable climates on earth.
Ultra fine merino: the unique evolution of a rare fibre
Australian Merino wool finer than 15 microns is only found in very small quantities. This fibre is a product of its environment and genes, produced only in Australia’s superfine wool regions by growers who have developed their breeding flock over many generations: this fibre does not just happen.
In 2006 there were only 180 bales or approximately 22,000 kilograms of merino fleece finer than 15 micron produced that had the style and quality suitable for such premium yarns, fabrics and garments.
Fifteen&finer, an exclusive collection from the world’s best fibre producers and spinners;
Escorial, Fibre Supplier, Australia Escorial is a fibre, rich in history and geography- originating in North Africa’s highest mountains to the El Escorial place in Spain before reaching Australia and New Zealand Centuries later. In the sixteenth Century the Fleeces became prized for being the finest and softest fibre by King Philip II and the flock became known as the Escorial flock. Today Escorial’s naturally grown fibre is so rare there are only three remaining flocks in the world purely descendent from the original Royal Escorial flock. Two in Australia and one in NZ. This fabric is second to none, and with its rare and natural offering, Escorial has developed a high end demand for its wool, draping the shoulders of many notables, world leaders and royalty, just as it did in the royal palace of El Escorial so many centuries ago.
Gostwyck, Fibre Supplier, Australia Gostwyck is one of Australia’s historic grazing properties, producing superfine and ultra fine merino. One of the key features of Gostwyck wool is the balanced results achieved in all the important elements of style, fine crimp, luster, softness, cleanliness, even length and highest quality possible in the paddock and in the shearing shed.
Jemala, Fibre Supplier, Australia Established since 1988, Jemela™ has become well known for its 100% Australian grown Ultrafine Saxon Merino wool. Jemala takes pride in producing and marketing luxury woollen knitwear to the world. Careful control over fibre micron, strength and length have developed Jemala™ into a fine, strong yarn for producing extremely soft and lightweight apparel, luxuriously sensual when worn next to the skin.
Michell, Fibre Supplier, Australia Michell Pty Ltd is one of Australia largest exporters of Australian Wool fibre. Michell has been associated with the international wool textile industry for over 130 years, and has taken wool to the world since 1870. Its innovative Micromerino® fibre has a silk like, lightweight quality whilst retaining the fine wool properties of ultimate softness and comfort.
The Merino Company (TMC), Fibre Supplier, Australia TMC is a division of Lempriere Australia, a family business celebrating 150 years of commitment to wool. With the company head office located in Victoria, Australia, TMC takes pride in connecting their customers to the growers. TMC has developed a range of differentiated ingredient brands, naturally organic wool, carbon neutral wool and Generation W sustainable wool.
Zegna Baruffa, Spinner, Italy Zegna Baruffa is the world leader in the production of fine yarns for top-quality knitwear. Zegna Baruffa was established in 1924, and in 1974 acquired the prestigious company, Lane Borgosesia (1850). Today, Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia buys 10 million kilograms of raw Australian Merino wool. The superfine Merino wool, combined with a vast range of rich yarns such as cashmere and top-quality pure or blended fibres, creates over 6.5 million kilograms of yarn for the company’s knitwear products each year.
Filatura Botto Poala, Spinner, Italy In 1876 Guiseppe Botto founded the company. With the head office located in Vallestrona, Piemonte Italy, the company’s philosophy remains the same from a century ago when applied to the concept of quality. The link in tradition and modern technologies, help to obtain new mixtures, sophisticated effects and an unexpected touch.
Lora Festa, Spinner, Italy In 1926 Alfredo Lora Lamia and Giacomino Festa Bianchet establish the Lora & Festa worsted-spinning mill, following a textile family tradition of working with natural fibers since 1885. Skill and precision in the working process of natural fibers of Lora & Festa today, are based on a perfect blend between high technology and tradition, where merino wool is crafted and transformed respecting their natural qualities.
Filatura di Tollegno, Spinner, Italy For more than a century, Tollegno has been rich in experience and history. First established in 1900 the company has become reputable for its quality and value in the field of yarns and fabrics. Manufacturing yarns in pure and blended wool for knitwear, weaving and hand-knitting, and very fine fabrics in pure wool and wool blended with precious fibres.
