Born from a Country Women’s Association (CWA) initiative in 1981, Fleece to Fashion has grown into one of Australia’s most iconic all-wool fashion awards – thanks to the ongoing support of local sponsors like Roberts + Morrow, who has been a proud partner of the event for over a decade. The annual event has drawn designers from across the country and beyond for the past 40 years, uniting city-based innovation with the enduring wool heritage of regional Australia. At its heart, Fleece to Fashion is about creating opportunity – giving new and emerging designers a platform to showcase their ideas, skills and passion for one of Australia’s most loved natural fibres. This year’s event, held on 15 November, will showcase collections from emerging designers and established names pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with wool.
This community story is proudly brought to you in partnership with Roberts + Morrow.
Fleece to Fashion is an evening made for style-seekers. Expect sophistication, creativity and a whole lot of glam, with canapés and a complimentary drink on arrival. Held in a marquee at CSIRO on the New England Highway between Uralla and Armidale, this year’s event is pulling out all the stops. “We’ve held it at Gostwyck and the Armidale Showground before, but this year’s setup at CSIRO will be something special,” says board member and former Managing Director, Liz.
“It’s wonderful to see the event continue to grow and evolve, from those early CWA beginnings to high fashion that pushes the limits of what you can do with wool.”
A stage for emerging talent
This year’s competition introduces a fresh format, with new categories that celebrate creativity at every stage. For school students, the challenge is to reimagine and repurpose – transforming forgotten garments from Vinnies or nana’s wardrobe into something new. “They all do an incredible job,” Liz says. “The imagination and craftsmanship are just wonderful.”
Emerging designers, including current fashion students and recent graduates, bring their collections fresh from fashion colleges including Melbourne’s RMIT, Sydney’s UTS and Whitehouse Institute. “Many of the pieces will walk the Fleece to Fashion runway just days before their own graduation parades,” Liz says. “We even have entries from New Zealand this year. It has truly become an Australasian showcase.”
For established designers, the Open Category steps things up a notch with three new themed sections: Casual Wear, Fantasy Wear – inspired by the bold spirit of Burning Man Festival – and Evening Wear, aptly titled The Met Gala Ball. “Each celebrates a different side of design, from wearable practicality to pure imagination,” adds Liz.
More than a runway
One of the event’s longest and most loyal supporters is Roberts + Morrow, which has sponsored Fleece to Fashion for more than a decade. “This year, Roberts + Morrow is proudly backing the Opens Category, with the 2025 theme being the bold, surreal spirit of Burning Man Festival. Entitled Desert Drape, this collection celebrates the mystique of futuristic festival fashion, blending freedom and art in every piece,” Liz explains.
“Roberts + Morrow have been with us for over 10 years. They’ve not only provided financial support, but they also show up. They attend the event, buy tickets and have been genuinely involved every year. Our treasurer is actually Bernadette Garrett – a partner at Roberts + Morrow. Having an accountant on the board has been such a gift, she ensures everything runs smoothly,” Liz adds.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Liz reminds us that Fleece to Fashion is about community, too. Each year, local students – both male and female – take to the runway as models, often stepping far outside their comfort zones.
“It’s incredible to watch the student’s confidence grow,” says Liz. “Some come in shy and nervous, but by the end, they’re walking like pros. Their parents tell us later how transformative the experience was.”
It’s that blend of artistry, mentorship and community that makes Fleece to Fashion so special. For Liz, who has been part of the event for more than 40 years, it remains as rewarding as ever.
“Seeing these young designers make their way in the industry, or seeing a student light up on stage, that’s what it’s all about,” she says.
If you’re looking for an evening that celebrates both fashion and supports emerging talent, Fleece to Fashion is where you’ll want to be. Tickets are available at www.fleecetofashion.com.au for $99, with a return bus service from Armidale for $20. “We really encourage people to take the bus,” says Liz. “The CSIRO is a Commonwealth Government site, so access after hours is restricted, plus it makes for a fun, social night out.”
So what are you waiting for? Snap up your tickets, dress in your finest, and get ready to witness the journey from “the sheep’s back to your back”, as the Fleece to Fashion saying goes.
Meg Miller
Digital Marketing Manager. Adventure seeking writer, free spirit, smitten aunt and dog mum.
