The Wool Lab Autumn/Winter 2018/19 presented seven fashion-oriented themes, presenting a collection of the latest commercially available wool fabrics and yarns. In addition, The Wool Lab Sport and The Wool Lab Denim will return this season, with each of the popular books updated to include the latest innovations and technical fabrics. Created in collaboration with the most innovative and quality-oriented spinners and weavers from across the world, The Wool Lab is an inspirational sourcing guide available for designers and brands to view.
1. VISIONARIE (DAYDREAMING)
The rigour and clean shape of tailored suits take place in unexpected landscapes, creating a new world where everything is possible. Escape from reality with sophisticated irony.
Materials:
100% wool, wool/cashmere, wool/silk, wool/mohair
Structures & Patterns
Pinstripes, checks, flannel, Glen check, Prince of Wales, classical revised Jersey & Knitwear
Lightweight knit
Colours
Blue, grey, cold brown, deep green
2. MONOCHROME
The elegance in simplicity. The game of contrasts of materials in monochromatic layering. Fluid fabrics for sophisticated dresses are combined with bulky knits and soft coats with different volumes, completing the feminine figure.
Materials:
100% wool, wool/cashmere, wool/silk, wool/mohair
Structures & Patterns
Satin, sequins, crape, double weave, coats, flannels
Jersey & Knitwear
Bulky knit, boucle yarn, hand knitting, soft jersey
Colours
Pastels, M lange grey, deep green, teal, grape
3. BAUHAUS
Shapes and colours inspired by European art movements of the early decades of the 1900’s that were the expression of a crucial moment in the 20th century, creating a new interaction between technology and culture. Form and function are represented in geometries and evident colour contrasts, colour inserts in unique pieces and in jacquard knitwear.
Materials:
100% wool, wool/cashmere, wool/silk, wool/cotton, wool/polyester
Structures & Patterns
Double weave, velour, brushed coats, stripes, checks, graphic jacquard
Jersey & Knitwear
Jacquard, cut & sew
Colours
Primary & bright colours
4. FIESTA PATRONAL
Taking inspiration from traditional colours, patterns and techniques of South American cultures which are blended with the most traditional fabrics and textures for a contemporary and ethnic style. An international urban vernacular.
Materials:
100% Wool, wool/alpaca, wool/cotton, wool/cashmere, wool/synthetic fibres
Structures & Patterns
Jacquard, embroidery, prints, embellished, checks, classic woollen patterns, flannels
Jersey & Knitwear
Jacquard
Colours
Neutrals, bright colours
5. LONDON SMOKE
The fascinating and dark British atmosphere during the industrial revolution. Jackets with fitted cuts inspired by the end of 18th century clothing are paired with loose-fit trousers for a modern mysterious time-traveller dandy.
Materials:
100% wool, wool/cotton, wool/linen, wool/hemp
Structures & Patterns
Jacquard, tweed, Houndstooth, salt&pepper, flannels
Dyeing & Finishings
Overdye, washed, used
Colours
Black, grey, deep colours
6. CO-LIVING
Living spaces are designed to bring people together. A generation of young people who have common interests share their workspaces, their dining rooms are their facilities, creating a new sense of community. A new and essential way of life more oriented to the inner being than to appearance.
Materials:
100% wool, lambswool, wool/cotton, wool/mohair, wool/linen
Structures & Patterns
Plain, twill, flannel, fleece, denim
Jersey & Knitwear
Soft knit, rib jersey
Dyeing & Finishing’s
Soft hands Colours
Black, grey, blue, brown, ecru, camel
7. LAB
A new way in fashion, old techniques, experimental technologies, fresh minds all mixed creating and transforming materials into unique products. It’s the new generation of artisans that creates their own style like modern alchemists in their laboratories.
Materials:
100% wool, wool/silk, wool/linen, wool/cotton, wool/polyester
Structures & Patterns
All possible surfaces
Techniques
Hand prints, hand stitching, hand embroidery, coating, hand dyed
Colours Grey, black, blue, red, orange, silver, gold
8. THE WOOL LAB SPORT
Active
The most technically performing wool fabrics and yarns, mixed with technical fibres, to ensure the best results during physical activity.
Examples of this theme highlight the technology enriched with the most innovative finishing treatments, suitable to match every climate and discipline, indoor and outdoor.
Materials:
100% wool, wool/polyester, wool/polyamide, wool/polypropylene, wool/polyurethane, wool plus cordura
Structures & Patterns
Plain, checks, double weave
Jersey & Knitwear
Seamless, plain, rib knit, Rome stitch, fleece, fake fur
Colours Black, grey and all bright colours
9. ATHLEISURE
Riding the wave of this increasing trend, athleisure blurs the line between fashion and activewear, with the latter being used in a non-active, casual way with a modern, stylish look. Merino wool’s ability to combine comfort and flexibility with casual elegance positions it well to cater to this growing market.
Materials:
100% wool, wool/polyester, wool/silk, wool/polyamide, wool/tencel
Structures & Patterns
Boucle panama, herringbone, diagonal, houndstooth, jacquard, padded wool Jersey & Knitwear
Fleece, piquet, open knit, double jersey, fake fur
Colours
Neutrals and colour accents
10. THE WOOL LAB DENIM
Wool Denim fabrics are a new approach to improving the aesthetics of traditional denim fabric. New technologies allow fabric to be naturally dyed indigo. Garments in 100% Merino wool, or wool blended with cotton, acquire a modern look keeping all the natural qualities of this fibre.
Denim_01
Materials: 100% wool, wool/cotton, wool/polyester, wool/linen, wool/silk Structures & Patterns: twill, plain, jacquard
Colours: black, blue
Denim_02
Materials: 100% wool, wool/cotton, wool/polyester, wool/linen, wool/silk Structures & Patterns: twill, plain Jersey & knitwear: plain knit
Colours: indigo blue
