Compulsory Blog Post 4 - Interview with a Designer

Here at Hills Adventist College, we think that what our Australian designers are doing to ensure that the Agriculture Industry stays alive in Australia is pretty amazing! We were very fortunate to be able to interview, Mel B  about why she is using wool in their designs for Compulsory Blog Post 5. Thank you Mel B!

1. Can you give us some background information about yourself?

I was born in South Africa and moved to Europe before settling in Australia. Since I was a young girl (in about year 2), I loved to sew and knit. In high school my flair for designing and creating garments became my passion. My designs are always custom made for each garment.

2. Why did you decide to become a designer?

In high school I found it fascinating being able to combine different ideas and putting them on paper and making a garment out of it. It makes me feel like being an artist! Creating something and making the garment a reality.

3. How do you see the Wool Industry and the Fashion industry being linked?

The wool industry plays a very important role in the fashion industry because most people are prepared to pay for good quality merchandise. Man-made materials may pose dangers and discomfort to some consumers. For example synthetic material can catch on fire easily and some people have allergies to these materials. Wool being a natural material, offers the fashion industry a combination of wool blends. There is great public demand for different items such as clothing, bedding, carpets, upholstery etc. that is wool based. Wool has a natural dirt and odour resilience which makes it popular for all ages.

4. Why do you choose to use wool in your garments instead of other materials?

I choose wool instead of other materials, as it offers warmth as well as cooling properties (particularly when I use Merino wool, which is so delightful to use in designing!). As well it is a pleasant material to work with; the quality represented by wool cannot be compared to man-made materials. Wool is one of the most comfortable fabrics to wear and it also offers very high UV protection and fire resistant properties. It is safe and practical for all uses.

5. How does wool compare with other materials? Is it better/worse than products such as polyester?

Wools allows for blends of other materials such as polyester and this allows for the product to be a bit more affordable for the average consumer. Merino wool has been groomed to deliver the highest level of comfort and performance. Wool is definitely better than polyester, though both materials are effective when combined. Wools compares very well with other materials as these garments are commercially successful as they are functional, wearable, fashionable and comfortable.

6. Do you have any suggestions for Australia Wool Farmers to produce a different type of product to use for your designs?

I have been working with wool since 1990, it’s always has fascinated me. The improvement in quality since has been remarkable, I just love Australian Merino. In Europe, consumers are very devoted to wool and love wool products from Australia.

Above are two pictures of Mel B's wool designs

We love our Aussie Farmers!