Wool was back in the spotlight at the A&P show on Saturday, with boundary-pushing knitting and garment construction on display at Marlborough Rural Women's Society's '101 Ways with Wool' fashion show.
Ten entrants from across Marlborough showcased dresses, capes, hats, jumpers and shoes all made from wool materials on the shearing shed catwalk, as they competed for the overall title.
Waitaria Bay School's '"journey of water" outfit modelled by Annie Gerard featured a hat, top and skirt inspired by the water cycle in the Kenepuru Sound, while Kelly Foote's "repurposed blanket" saw a favourite childhood comforter transformed into a mid-length dress and cape.
Judges Derelee Potroz Smith from Woolchemy and George Murray from Marlborough Merino Association say the creations showed considerable skill and imagination.
"There are some very clever people out there. It's amazing what you can do when you repurpose things. The sky's the limit" says George.
For Derelee, whose business makes sustainable nappies and hygiene products out of wool, the designs were a chance to put the material back into the spotlight.
"It's good to see wool at the forefront of the show. It's been long forgotten but it's such a great product that we all need to use more of."
The overall winner was "wool wonderland" by the Kenepuru branch of Rural Women, modelled by Emma Radzik. Taking into account creativity, technique and wearability, the judges unanimously voted the dress - adorned with knitted animals and flowers - into first place.
They announced the garment was "a great exhibition of all the uses of wool and a variety of structures", with "every detail celebrating nature, tradition, skill and imagination."
Runners up were Christine Sumby for her felt reversible cape and Fiona Higgins for her red wool dress.
The top places received handbags and clothing from Kaituna Ridges.
Derelee says that the value of wool clothing stretches beyond appearance into physical well-being benefits.
"When you wear a garment, you're not just wearing something creative. You're wearing something that is naturally breathing.
The show was a chance to remind people of its advantages, she adds.
"With all the nasty things that we're putting out in the world, we need to be closer to nature. So if you wear wool, that's what you're doing. It's definitely better for our well-being."
