Calling the Creative Flock: WoolOn 2026 Entries are Now Open!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 19th NOVEMBER 2025 

Attention, designers! WoolOn, Central Otago's acclaimed creative fashion event, has officially  opened entries for its 2026 competition. If you’re a designer or craftsperson who dreams in wool,  this is your chance to make a beautiful, sustainable, and unforgettable impact. 

WoolOn is all about reimagining the bounds of wool, offering a platform for up-and-coming and  established designers to showcase their creations and champion the incredible versatility of wool.  

You create and WoolOn promotes and celebrates it! 

The Alexandra based extravaganza is scheduled for the weekend of August 29th and 30th, 2026  and will feature a combo of Matinee & Evening Gala catwalk shows at the Alexandra’s Bowling  Club and Sunday Trade Expo at the Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery.  

Your Stage Awaits 

Designers are invited to push the boundaries of wool across nine distinct categories, ensuring every  creative vision has a place to shine. Whether you're exploring boundless expression or redefining  tradition, your wool creation belongs here. WoolOn 2026 categories, with $600 prize packages are: 

• Streetwear - Versatile daywear with a strong, directional modern look. 

• Handcrafted - Innovative use of techniques such as knitting, crocheting, weaving,  felting and needlepoint. 

• Collections - Three cohesive looks with a common design theme. 

• Special Occasion - A glamorous outfit speaking to confidence, quality and  sophistication.  

• Reuse, Restyle & Repurpose - Garments and accessories crafted from recycled wool.  • Accessories - An ensemble of three, four or more woollen accessories.  • Avant Garde - A garment that delights in the unconventional and unexpected.  

• Machine Crafted - A woollen outfit employing the use of an automated device, be it  knitting or sewing machine.  

• Toi tu ki Uruuruwhenua - A look taking inspiration from culture across Aotearoa New  Zealand, including Te Ao Māori, which may involve traditional handcraft techniques  and/or symbolism 

The Ultimate Prize Packages 

Showcasing at WoolOn puts you in the running for nation-wide recognition and a share of  prestigious awards. The coveted Supreme Winner Prize Package totals $5,000. 

To encourage the wealth of youth design talent out there, WoolOn gives Tertiary, Secondary and  Primary education talent a deserved spotlight too. WoolOn’s 2026

Awards include: 

Supreme Award - $5000 prize package 

1st Runner Up - $1500 prize package  

2nd Runner Up - $1000 prize package  

People’s Choice Award - $750 prize package 

Novice Award, Commercial Viability Award, Menswear Award - $500 each  U25 Emerging Designer Award, U18 Young Designer Award - $500 each U13 Primary Award - $250  

Must-Know Designer Details 

• Full details of awards and categories are available to download on the WoolOn website,  along with entry forms, designer information and terms & conditions.

• See Entry Form A for early-bird entry pricing, available until Friday 13 March

• Entries close 31 July 2026

• Completed garments must be received in Alexandra by 14 August 2026

What to expect at WoolOn 2026 

Wool is resilient, sustainable and imaginative and WoolOn is the only solely wool focussed creative  fashion catwalk event in New Zealand.  

In the words of WoolOn Chairperson Sue Philip, “We have a responsibility to champion the wearing  of wool and the designers who create with it. If you’re looking to make a beautiful, impactful  statement with your work, we dare you to take the plunge! WoolOn wants to continue inspiring you to create and wear wool with imagination and flare, as  well as provide fashion loving Central Otago and visitors from beyond a truly memorable showcase  of catwalk entertainment.” 

For questions and interviews please contact:  

designers@woolon.co.nz 

ENDS