US winner visits wool source

This year's International Woolmark Prize winner, US designer Marcia Patmos, has launched her award-winning woollen range in Australia.

Visiting Australia for the first time, Ms Patmos' exclusive launch of her nomadic-luxe wool collection took place at woolgrower Carina Doran's property, Ahgunyah, in Goulburn, NSW.

Australian retail partner, David Jones, allowed local female woolgrowers who attended to be among the first in the world to take home their own M.PATMOS Woolmark-certified garment at the David Jones pop-up shop set up in the wool shed.

The wool property is a long way from Ms Patmos' New York City home.

Yet the journey was a special one, because it allowed her to travel back to the source of the precious fibre which earned her the coveted 2014-15 International Woolmark Prize for womenswear.

"Coming to 'Ahgunyah' to see the natural beauty of where Australian Merino wool is produced and meeting Carina and her family has allowed me to explore the many faces of wool," Ms Patmos said.

"From being grown on grass, water and sunshine right through to being turned into luxury apparel, I feel so lucky to be involved in this industry.

"Merino wool is a perfect match for a travel-focused wardrobe for so many reasons.

"This premium fibre is super soft and lightweight, wrinkle free, temperature regulating, UV resistant, odour-resistant and can be worn for up to two weeks without washing."

Australian Wool Innovation chief executive Stuart McCullough reiterated the importance of the International Woolmark Prize.

"Connecting the world's leading fashion designers with Australian Merino wool is extremely important due to the enormous influence these designers have in setting global textile trends for mainstream retail brands," he said.