Tell us about Woolerina
and why you decided to establish this label.
Woolerina
launched its first range of soft Australian Merino clothing for women and men
in 2006. Business founder, Warwick
Rolfe, has had more than 30 years experience in the Australian Wool industry
and it was a long-held passion to be able to literally take wool from the
sheep’s back and follow it right through to a finished product. The range has
grown significantly over the last 10 years, from just 4 styles in 3 colours for
women & men, to now over 40 styles which also incorporates a babies and kids
range. 
Aside
from being passionate about the Merino fibre, we are also passionate about
being able to produce our range in Australia. Warwick has always said that if
he had to take the manufacturing off-shore, he wouldn’t continue. It is
something all the staff at Woolerina feel very strongly about.
Why merino, and where
is it sourced from?
From
Woolerina’s founder Warwick Rolfe’s first day in the Sydney wool stores over 30
years ago, he has had a passion for the natural attributes of the Merino fibre.
Warwick works closely with farmers Norm and Pip Smith of Glenwood Merinos from
Wellington NSW, to select a fibre which will create the softest but most
durable of fabrics for Woolerina’s range of clothing. The Glenwood Merino fibre
is completely renewable, sustainable and produced with complete respect for the
environment and the Merinos are un-mulesed.
Tell us about your
garments that feature prints.
The
Woolerina range has traditionally featured block colours, however in 2013 we
were looking to do something different, when we were introduced to the talented
team at Signature Prints in Sydney. Signature Prints philosophy aligns closely
with our own – they also have a passion for natural fibres and utilise
water-based pigments in their hand screen printing. Signature Prints are also
the custodians to the iconic Florence Broadhurst and Blume libraries, so having
access to these amazing collections has been a such a treat! The prints first
featured in our 2014 range for women and kids; our 2015 range again features
some exciting new prints and colours for women, kids and babies.
What can market-folk
expect to find at the April event?
Woolerina’s
2015 Autumn/Winter range will be on display and for sale. This range features
our signature long and short sleeve t-shirts for women and men. These garments
are designed to be worn next to the skin, where the natural properties of
Merino are best achieved. Merino is warm in Winter but keeps you cooler in
Summer – it’s the perfect fabric to take with you when travelling!
Additionally, we will have our printed tops, leggings and scarves for women,
beautiful chunky-knit loop scarves in bright colours for women, and our new
men's vest and jumper will all be there! Woolerina’s range is designed as basic
fashion – to take you from day to night, from indoors to out –pieces you will
cherish for a long time to come!
What is it about
Hustle&Scout that made you want to be a stallholder?
Canberra
has always been a great place for Woolerina! Hustle&Scout looks a little
bit different and we’re excited to see what the evening brings!
MY FAVE THINGS
Guilty pleasure:
Time on my own!
What you wanted to be
when you grew up:
An airline pilot…or a hairdresser – I’ve been
neither!
Fav fashion piece you own:
No bias at all, but my Woolerina dress – in
Winter I describe it as my “tube of warm” – it keeps me so toasty warm and is
so ridiculously comfortable, but still manages to be stylish! I can wear layers
under it if I need to it, dress it up for evening or wear it out for a casual
lunch with a little cardi or vest.
Place to visit in
Canberra:
I’m not a Canberra local, I come from Forbes
which is 3 hours north-west of Canberra, so my favourite part of coming to
Canberra is eating out! Canberra always had a reputation of being a bit boring,
however, I certainly wouldn’t say that anymore!
Your role model/s:
My
husband Brett and my dad, Woolerina’s founder Warwick Rolfe – they are both
really passionate about their respective businesses and work incredibly hard.
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