On May 24, 2017, Greg French, Ambassador of Australia to Italy, and Danilo Venturi, Director of Polimoda, announced Jamila Pandolfo as the winner of the fashion competition “Wool Wonders” at Villa Favard, Polimoda’s headquarters in Florence.
Jamila’s project was inspired by the raw nature and burnt-red landscapes of the Australian outback, with reference to the iconic surfer culture of the coast. The jagged lines of the rocks were reflected in her outerwear garment, and a modified wetsuit was dyed and treated to reflect mud and dried salt stains.
The competition promotes intercultural exchange between Italy and Australia through fashion design and is organized by the Australian Embassy in Rome and Polimoda, in partnership with The Woolmark Company, and in collaboration with the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, the University of Technology Sydney, Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia.
Fashion Design students in their third year were asked to design an Australian themed outfit using Australian wool jersey. A distinguished panel of fashion experts will select the best outfit.
The winner was awarded a four-week internship in Australia with the University of Technology Sydney’s fashion school and the Museum of Applied Arts and Science, as well as a tailored visit program organized by The Woolmark Company, Tourism Australia and the Australian Fashion Chamber.
