The Woolmark Company and renowned Japanese fashion label FACETASM are teaming for two-season for developing its Autumn/Winter 18/19 and Spring/Summer 19 wool-rich collections, ahead of its show at Paris Men’s Collection. Both collections will be Woolmark-certified. Relationship between the Japanese brand and textile company intends to last beyond the collaboration and foster ties between the Australian wool industry and Japan’s fashion sector.

FACETASM’s Autumn/Winter 18/19 Woolmark capsule collection will be unveiled in January in 2018 in Paris.

The Woolmark Company will continue to work closely with and support FACETASM’s design team, which has already viewed the Woolmark Company’s sourcing guide the Wool Lab, drawing on the most innovative fabrics and yarns for the upcoming collections and connecting the design team with the wool supply chain.

FACETASM designer and founder Hiromichi Ochiai who visited to Australia with the support of the Woolmark Company to experience wool-growing properties first-hand and gaining invaluable insight and inspiration for his future collections and meet the wool source.

Ochiai on his trip to Australia saw how much the sheep farmers have loved the sheep, nature and their own land over generations. It was such a precious experience for him to actually talk to farmers and experience how Merino wool is produced. Although so far he had seen Merino wool only at the fabric stage, through this visit he learnt it is actually based on so much love and history. He would like to deliver the story behind Merino wool and incorporate this invaluable experience in his creations.

According to Ochiai, Merino wool is an essential ingredient for the brand to move onto the next step in its creation and thinks this collaboration with the Woolmark Company is a great opportunity for the brand to expand even more.

Hiromichi Ochiai will become the first global wool ambassador from Japan - a market that remains important in terms of creativity and impeccable quality, further expanding Merino wool’s legacy beyond traditional tailoring, said the Woolmark Company managing director Stuart McCullough.

This partnership deepens the relationship between the Australian wool industry and Japan’s fashion industry, with FACETASM taking the two to a global audience via its extensive range of stockists.

Wool has been an integral part of the label’s collections since its launch in 2007, highlighting the versatility of the fibre and its position as the premier ingredient in luxury apparel. Its unique creations are deeply rooted in Tokyo’s edgy street culture, quickly garnering global praise.