WoolOn Creative and Fashion Society (WoolOn) was formed in the 1980s with a mission to promote the use of wool in fashion design and crafts, educate the community on wool and its uses, and support local growers and producers.
The annual WoolOn Creative Fashion Event has evolved from a small show on a limited budget into a fashion extravaganza, showcasing the creativity and versatility of wool. From its humble beginnings, WoolOn has grown into a regular feature on the Central Otago events calendar, attracting entries from all over New Zealand and overseas. The event celebrates the connection between fibre, art, and glamour, with bold cutting-edge designs created from a beautiful raw product. Central Otago's picturesque landscape serves as the perfect backdrop to inspire designers' fashion creations.
WoolOn is the only exclusively wool fashion design showcase in New Zealand, drawing interest and participation from designers nationwide, many of whom are already enquiring about next year’s event. It features entrants of all ages and stages in their design journey, and supporting and encouraging designers is a critical element of WoolOn’s strategic framework. The event has also attracted the support and interest of Liz Mitchell, one of New Zealand’s top fashion designers and a tireless advocate for wool in fashion, who served as a judge in 2024.
WoolOn emphasises that "From Nature Comes Fashion", highlighting the natural origins of wool and its importance not only to Central Otago but also to New Zealand as a whole. The event, which debuted in 2004, requires all garments to be made of at least 75% wool and features nine categories, showcasing the diversity and innovation within the wool fashion industry. With the support of CLT, WoolOn continues to grow and thrive, connecting communities and celebrating the artistry of wool fashion.
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