AgResearch is seeking commercial partners to produce and market four world-first merino fabrics.
The Crown Research Institute AgResearch gave 10 leading New Zealand fashion designers samples of the four fabrics to use in their collections at this month’s New Zealand Fashion Week. Several designers now want the fabrics to be made available commercially.
“I would definitely put it in my next collection if it were commercially available to use. Those who’ve seen the garments made with this AgResearch fabric have loved them and I think they would sell well at a retail level,” says designer Kylee Davis of Stitch Ministry who is taking her fashion collection to the UK in February.
Another designer, Theresa Brady of Sable & Minx, is also keen to use AgResearch’s anti-odour fabric if it is commercially manufactured.
“It’s a gorgeous merino fabric with wonderful drape, recovery and quality,” says Theresa. “It would be fantastic if it were commercially available. I would certainly use it if it were produced within my price point.”
AgResearch is now looking for partners to commercial the following new technologies:
Fabric 1: AgResearch novel dyed wool fabric-geometric and random patterns.
• Unique single dyeing method to produce two colour reversible patterns on wool fabrics and garments.
• Allows late-stage colouring.
• Uses a dyeing process suitable for a wide range of fabric weights and gauges.
• Reduces holding coloured yarn.
• Limitless design from screen to free-hand.
• Yarns, garments, panels or fabric lengths can be treated and dyed.
Click here http://www.agresearch.co.nz/images/fashionweek/fabric1.jpg to see a photo of a garment using the fabric. The designer is Blak.
Fabric 2: AgResearch anti-odour and antistatic next-to-skin wool fabric.
• Unique permanent antistatic, antibacterial and anti-odour properties–breaks existing boundaries.
• More environmentally responsible production than existing technologies–antibacterial agent doesn’t leach from fabric.
• Breathability – does not cling to the body.
• Don’t need to wash fabric as much to keep fresh.
• Machine washable and quick drying (saves energy).
• Lightweight.
• 100% Merino wool and wool-rich blends.
Click here http://www.agresearch.co.nz/images/fashionweek/fabric2.jpg to see a photo of a garment using the fabric. The designer is Trix & Dandy.
Fabric 3: AgResearch novel dyed wool fabric - reversible 2-sided colour.
• World-first reversible two colour fabric produced in a single dyeing.
• Unique dyeing technique that can be used on 100% wool and a wide range of fabrics and fabric weights and gauges.
• Individual garments, panels or lengths can be dyed.
• Overdye old fabrics.
• Dye choices – dye the yarn or the fabric or the garment.
Click here http://www.agresearch.co.nz/images/fashionweek/fabric3.jpg to see a photo of a garment using the fabric. The designer is Salasai.
Fabric 4: AgResearch bright coloured wool.
• Modified wool dyed to produce exceptionally bright, intense colours.
• Can be blended with acrylic or dyeable polyester and dyed in single bath.
• Similar light and wash fastness to acrylic.
• Higher lustre than wool dyed by traditional methods.
Click here http://www.agresearch.co.nz/images/fashionweek/fabric4.jpg to see a photo of a garment using the fabric. The designer is NYNE.
