Woolmark Performance Challenge 2020 award to Bettina Blomstedt

The Woolmark Performance Challenge is an annual competition for early career creative thinkers to develop innovative, forward-thinking product solutions for the sports and performance market, by harnessing the unique natural properties of Merino wool. In 2020, The Woolmark Performance Challenge invited participants to consider ocean racing as the catalyst of their design process. The brief also centred on how product designers can contribute to the long-term health of the planet.

Bettina started her research with sustainability in mind, asking: how can the inherent properties of Merino wool be utilised in sportswear, without adding any synthetic materials to the mix? Using her knowledge of advanced knitting technology and taking a look back at traditional techniques, her concept explores alternative ways of achieving sportswear performance by enhancing the natural existing properties of Merino wool.

From over 1350 registered participants, ten finalists were shortlisted by The Woolmark Company and Helly Hansen, the famous outdoor brand. The Woolmark Performance Challenge entries are judged by a highly esteemed panel of judges.