Visual and textural delights displayed at WoolOn 2026
Ride the Waves One Day at a Time, by Viv Tamblyn, was the first runner up and People's Choice winner at WoolOn 2026. The hand-smocked coat was inspired by a Canadian smocking style.
The 22nd WoolOn event was held in Alexandra on Saturday. An vast range of items were modelled all made from at least 75% wool.
Garments and accessories were entered by creators ranging from school children to the ultimate winner 88-year-old Daphne Randle.
Photographer Lisa Hill captured some of the spectacular entries which were judged by fashion designers and wool advocates Liz Mitchell, Christina Perriam and Lucy Girvan, along with Kingston designer and artist Jane Sutherland.
Kim Priest won the novice award at WoolOn 2026 with her Birds of a Feather creations. Photo: Supplied/Lisa Hill Photography
Ryan Shepherd's Liminal Lines design scooped both the menswear and commercial viability awards at WoolOn 2026. Photo: Supplied/Lisa Hill Photography
Sandi Austin-Fraser won the Street Wear section at WoolOn 2026 with her Imposter jersey. Photo: Supplied/Lisa Hill Photography
Hawkes Bay knitwear designer Laurel Judd created Face off Waste Not, a pop-art inspired outfit of jacket, pants and bag for the street wear section at WoolOn 2026. Photo: Supplied/Lisa Hill Photography
Daphne Randle not only won the supreme award at WoolOn 2026 she also took out 2nd runner up with her Land Sea Sky creations. Photo: Supplied/Lisa Hill Photography