Expert Eye: AgResearch show 2010

Alexandra Owen (R), used the synthetic wool mix being produced by a Dunedin company Gimono, to make a striking white suit. Photo / Supplied

The future of wool is bright thanks to some high-tech fabrics developed by New Zealand scientists which were put through their paces by eight designers today.

Their garments showed the possibilities of work by AgResearch to use wool in new ways.

The Crown Research Institute hopes to licence the fabrics commercially and - particularly in the case of new dye technology - it's easy to see why. This allows wool to be printed in brighter colours and two-way reversible cloth.

Graphic black and white dresses from Stitch Ministry and a grey-on-green piece from Annah Stretton illustrated the impact this could have in combining the comfort and drape of wool with colour statements.

Less obvious, but equally interesting are easy care fabrics, seen in menswear from Trix & Dandy and in a cape crafted in finest suiting cloth that can drop into the washing machine.

Another innovation is anti-odour next to skin fine stretch knit merino, ideal for layering and requiring less laundering.

One of AgResearch's new fabrics is already in commercial production, it's a synthetic wool mix being produced by a Dunedin company, Gimono, to make light-weight, more comfortable martial arts wear.

Alexandra Owen took this fabric in another direction, using it to make a striking white suit.