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13 APRIL 2022 - COLLABORATIONS

VILEBREQUIN X WOOLMARK

Of all the places you’d expect to find a fine Merino wool suit… the beach is probably the last! Certified by The Woolmark Company, the new men’s swimwear capsule from Vilebrequin puts a suitably playful spin on swimsuit tailoring. Next summer’s dress code: sartorial & sustainable.

LE SHEEP, C’EST CHIC!

For this capsule of three swim shorts we took the sartorial route, selecting navy, light gray, and classic gingham. All fairly conventional choices, unless you’re Vilebrequin! Without a print, bright colour, or turtle in sight, our Studios played into the idea of a suit made for swimming, letting the quality and technical attributes of Woolmark-certified Super 120’s Merino wool from our friends at REDA really shine through. In or out of the surf, Vilebrequin swim shorts are an incredibly versatile garment. After ruling resorts, streets, and gyms, it was only a matter of time before they branched out into the city.

WHY WE’RE LEAPING ON WOOL

Arguably the oldest-known animal fibre, wool is also among the longest-kept in our wardrobes. With a remarkable lifespan, and a quality and softness few other textiles can deliver, Australian Merino wool had no problem meeting Vilebrequin’s (notoriously picky) standards for elegance, performance, and the environment.
“The Vilebrequin x Woolmark Merino wool boardshorts highlight the true versatility of the fibre,” says Australian Wool Innovation (parent company of The Woolmark Company) CEO, John Roberts. “Soft next to skin but resistant enough to handle the ocean, Merino wool continues to drive unexpected product offerings. Thanks to manufacturing techniques, Vilebrequin is redefining the way we wear wool by bringing the sophistication of worsted tailoring to the water." There was another test Merino had to pass: the swim test. And pass it did! Thanks to their scale-like structure, worsted Merino wool fibres form a naturally water-friendly, quick-drying shell—especially when woven at higher densities. Sea turtles and sheep have more in common than you think!

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    THE ULTIMATE SUMMER FABRIC

    Yes, you read that right. With innovation as our common thread, Vilebrequin and The Woolmark Company are on a mission to give wool its place in the sun—quite literally! Ultra-breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermo-regulating, Merino is fast gaining a reputation as a hot-weather hero. Bet you never thought you’d brave the heatwave in a suit, did you? Those aren’t Merino’s coolest properties, though. Wool is the original eco-fibre: 100% natural, biodegradable, and completely renewable, with sheep producing new fleece every year. All that’s needed to create this luxurious fabric is sunshine, fresh air, water, and grass.

      ABOUT WOOLMARK COMPANY

      The Woolmark Company is the global authority on wool. Through our extensive network of relationships spanning the international textile and fashion industries, we highlight Australian wool’s position as the ultimate natural fibre and premier ingredient in luxury apparel. The Woolmark logo is one of the world’s most recognised and respected brands, providing assurance of the highest quality, and representing pioneering excellence and innovation from farm through to finished product. The Woolmark Company is a subsidiary of Australian Wool Innovation, a not-for-profit enterprise that conducts research, development and marketing along the worldwide supply chain for Australian wool on behalf of about 60,000 woolgrowers that help fund the company.