About
About WoolOn
FROM NATURE COMES FASHION
A Celebration of Wool, Creativity & Community
Held in the heart of Central Otago’s sheep country, WoolOn is where fashion meets fibre, tradition meets innovation, and creativity takes centre stage.
Over one incredible weekend, Alexandra comes alive with dazzling runway shows, a buzzing trade event, and amazing New Zealand design talent - from rising stars to industry leaders.
In 2026, New Zealand’s iconic wool fashion event will celebrate 22 years of bold design, innovation, and celebration. With nine dynamic design categories, special awards, and the coveted Supreme Winner title drawing national attention, designers from across New Zealand will come together to compete, connect, and create fashion history.
In making the connection between fibre, art and glamour, all garments entered must consist at least 75% wool. As a celebration of the incredible resource that is wool, the event recognises traditional creative arts such as knitting, crochet and felting, as well showcasing future focussed design techniques. The myriad of awards recognise the brilliance of experienced creators and emerging design talent both.
WoolOn is a volunteer organisation supported in it’s mission with grants, sponsorship and generous donations.
As the only solely wool focussed creative event in New Zealand, WoolOn takes seriously and joyously the role of serving a community passionate about the beauty, versatility and environmental friendliness of wool.
About
History of WoolOn
From its humble beginnings, WoolOn has become a regular feature on the Central Otago events calendar. Now attracting entries from all over New Zealand and overseas, it has grown from a small show on a very limited budget into multiple events and a fashion extravaganza.
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The first show was in 2004 in Molyneux Park Stadium in Alexandra. Over the years the aim has been to raise the production standards and present a fashion event on par with anything in New Zealand.
The event includes the popular Streetwear, Special Occasion, and Avant-Garde sections. Also, a Collections entry that allows designers to enter their garments with a common look and feel. The Accessories section recognises the many techniques suitable for creating wool garments.
To encourage young designers there is the Under 23 Emerging Designer Award as well as entries for secondary school designers and primary school creators.
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Judges are from a range of fields – fashion, education and industry leaders lending their talent and experience to an outstanding event.
SUPPORT WOOLON
Sponsors
WoolOn Events would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. If you are interested in talking to someone about sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with our sponsorship team.
