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200 years of Australian wool in fashion exhibition

In 2007 the world commemorated 200 years of achievements by the Australian wool industry - it was in 1807 that the first bale of Australian wool was sent to Britain with intention of commercial sale, thus establishing the Australian wool trade. 

A number of activities were coordinated to commemorate the milestone:

On Tuesday 24th July 2007, 600 distinguished guests from Australia's fashion & wool industries celebrated 200 years of innovation at the opening of the Fashion from Fleece exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Initiated by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), the exhibition presented key moments of wool in fashion with pieces from the likes of Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons.

Speaking on the night, AWI Chairman Ian McLachlan said ever since the first bale of wool was sent to England with the intention of commercial sale in 1807, the Australian wool industry has continually gone through an innovation revolution.

"The 200 year anniversary of Australian wool heralds one of the biggest global marketing initiatives that AWI has ever undertaken.
 
"This is not only about celebrating our proud heritage, but also about showing what we have to offer our business partners for the future. AWI has already established strong business relationships with major retailers, manufacturers and designers around the world” said Mr McLachlan.
 
Guests attending the Fashion from fleece exhibition opening included Lady Sonia McMahon, iconic Australian designer Jenny Kee, contemporary Australian designers Lydia Pearson and Pamela Easton from Easton Pearson, Peter Morrissey, Jayson Brunsdon, Sydney Morning Herald Fashion Editor, Glynis Traill Nash and Marie Claire's Fashion Director, Jane Roarty.

In addition to the M200 exhibition in Sydney, an exhibitions to commemorate 200 years of achievements by the Australian wool industry was also held in London.  At Pitti Immagine Uomo, with renowned Italian spinners and weavers in attendance, the announcement of 200 years of Australian wool was made at international menswear trade show.