Reda interns New Zealand’s Ella Cook, left, with Theo Blatcher from South Africa and Charlotte Cuming from Chatsworth, Victoria, Australia. Image – supplied.

WOOL classer and growers’ daughter Charlotte Cuming has gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing processors after two months on an internship with Italian high-end wool fabric and products manufacturer, Reda.

Charlotte was selected as Australia’s intern in the Reda “Sheep to Shop” project, and has been joined by New Zealand Master of Design graduate from Auckland University of Technology Ella Cook and South African wool ambassador Theo Blatcher.

The Marcus Oldham graduate told Renewable Fibres that after being in Italy for just over two months, her immersion into Italian life, inside and outside of Reda’s mill, has been fabulous.

“Alongside the other interns, I have now completed the introductory, processing and product modules of the “Sheep to Shop” internship.

“We are about to spend time with Reda’s brands, before heading to Milano Unica for the release of the new collections,” she said.

“A personal highlight has been the visit to the Romagnano Combing Mill.

“I enjoyed seeing the raw wool taken out of bales; understanding now both the journey the fibre has been on and the transformative process it is about to undergo.”

Charlotte said she spent two days in each step of production, from dyeing to finishing.

“I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what makes a fibre suitable for Reda’s mill and for high quality worsted fabrics.”

Charlotte said she, Ella and Theo have been using their free time to explore the Piedmonte region and beyond.

“We’ve followed local advice on the best spots for hiking, swimming, shopping and importantly, aperitivo (a pre-dinner drink and a social ritual meant to “open” the stomach and stimulate the appetite).

“Recently we spent a weekend in Switzerland, and I’m still amazed that you can simply drive to another country.”

Charlotte said her experience with Reda has been enormously valuable, “opening my eyes to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the other side of the industry.”

“The Italians are really great hosts and having the opportunity to learn from the best in the business at “turning fleece into fashion”, is a real privilege.”

Sheep to Shop project leader, and Reda raw material procurement and processing officer, Fabrizio Botto said hosting young professionals is always a pleasure and allowed the company to stay connected with fresh perspectives and to see the world through younger eyes.

“I strongly believe it is also a responsibility that should be among our top priorities,” he said.

“Charlotte has not only had the opportunity to experience Italian life both within and beyond Reda, but, following a comprehensive immersion across all aspects of our business, she is now actively contributing to real projects.

“Through the combination of her input and our support, these projects are becoming meaningful and concrete experiences within the wool industry,” Mr Botto said.

“I sincerely hope that our partners in Australia will continue to support this initiative, which, as mentioned, is crucial for the future of our industry.

“If I were to summarize the mission of this project in a single sentence: ‘We create value for the future.’”

Nominations for the 2027 edition of the Reda “Sheep to Shop” project will be open early August 2026, with details on the Australian Wool Innovation website.

The Australian partners in the project include the Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors, the Australian Wool Exchange, Ausfine and Renewable Fibres, with assistance from AWI.

Source – Renewable Fibres.