The International Wool Secretariat (IWS) was formed in 1937 to promote the sale of wool on behalf of woolgrowers and review research carried out by independent bodies such as the Wool Industries' Research Association at Torridon, Headingley Lane, Leeds, England. It has been rebranded as as The Woolmark Company. Each year it holds the Young Designer Awards which is a wonderful opportunity for young designers to showcase their designs in wool to the public and win a prestigious award and prize.The aim of the competition is to encourage young designers and artists to create garments using wool. The prize was a 4 month expense paid trip to Europe to visit the fashion capitals of the world and undertake work experience in international fashion companies. The prize winner also followed the international fashion buyers to the fashion collections in Paris and Milan. The prize winner acts as an advocate and represented Australia in the European fashion industry.