A Fashion Business and Retail Q&A with Woolmark

Ahead of our Spotlight on Fashion Business and Retail event, we asked some questions to Louise Campbell, Product and Education Extension Manager at Woolmark, about the importance of encouraging sustainability in the fashion industry and what advice she would give to emerging creatives. Find out more
in the Q&A below.

Can you tell us a bit more about your role at The Woolmark Company?

Educating brands, retailers and students about wool innovations is at the centre of my day-to-day. From product development opportunities to sourcing wool materials, I enjoy connecting people throughout the global supply chain.

Through programs including Wool4School and the Woolmark Performance Challenge, I am passionate about educating and inspiring emerging generations on the intriguing benefits and eco-credentials of wool.

You've recently announced your 2023/24 Wool4School competition, please can you tell us more about the brief and how the competition helps young people express their creativity?

For the 2023/24 competition, we are asking students to take inspiration from the earth’s natural elements, research the design properties of wool and investigate how you can creatively include your chosen element of earth, water, fire or air in your design.

The Wool4School design competition gives students the chance to design a unique outfit made from 70% Merino wool, and have their design reviewed by a VIP designer judge.

Wool4School provides free and easy to use resources to both students and teaching staff so they can learn about the unique properties and benefits of wool. Teachers and students have the chance to win amazing prizes including a short course with University of the Arts London, wool materials for the classroom and see your design recreated into a 3D digital avatar!

Why do you think it is so important to encourage sustainability in the fashion industry as a whole?

We cannot thrive without a healthy planet. Whether you are a student, educator, brand, supplier working in the global value chain, or consumer, I believe it is our responsibility to challenge the status quo and address the environmental concerns that exist. I see global, long-term potential for wool and feel it is one of the best solutions being 100% natural, renewable, and biodegradable.

What opportunities can studying our Fashion Business and Retail qualifications create for learners, thinking
about the global wool industry and touching on the
fashion and textile industry as a whole?

The fashion and textile industry is a multi-layered business and offers career opportunities at every level be that colour, fibre, fabric manufacturing, finishing, knitting and weaving, garment design, sales, retail, communication… the list goes on! It is vital, however that we design considerably throughout the global supply chain and with minimum harm.

What advice would you give to emerging creatives looking to enter the fashion industry?

My advice to emerging creatives entering the industry would be to have fun! There are so many opportunities within fashion and textiles, so I would encourage you to try everything!