Australian Merino wool just got a whole lot warmer – and a whole lot cooler too.

The luxurious Red Island active and leisure wear Winter 08 range, created exclusively by Charles Parsons, will be available nationally from March 2008. A total of 14 Red Island styles will be delivered to Purely Merino stores in international airports around Australia.

Designed for absolute comfort, the multi-climatic Red Island collection is made from super soft, ultra-light Merino and is designed for the active man and woman. Each garment delivers superior Merino comfort, moisture control and insulation. Wherever you travel in the world, the Red Island range provides comforting warmth in cold climates and cool breathability when the weather is hot.

The Red Island range is soft against the skin and beautifully luxurious and comes in colours including charcoal, magenta, sage, azure blue, indigo, red, black, and dove grey. The separate men’s and women’s ranges include a tank top, raglan long sleeve T, a hooded zip front jacket, a zip front vest, travel pants, a jersey scarf and beanie.

Originally developed by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) for Purely Merino stores, the range is now being produced by influential and highly regarded fabric house Charles Parsons, using their own high-quality Merino wool jersey fabrics.

“Charles Parsons have updated and improved the Red Island collection, using their own quality fabrics that have been developed using fine micron Merino wool, relaunched in fashion colours and updated shapes,” said Jimmy Jackson, Global Product Development Manager.

“Merino is the perfect fibre for active wear; it’s breathable and takes you from cold weather to warmer climates. It’s the world’s oldest fibre and yet it is more technologically advanced than many man made fibres.”

AWI is the research, development and marketing arm of the Australian wool industry, committed to assisting local and international designers, retailers and manufacturers to source and develop fabrics and clothes made from Merino wool. Australia is the world leader and largest producer of the Merino wool fibre.

The Red Island range is made exclusively from 100% Australian Merino wool fabrics and, Australian Merino wool blended with Elastane, for additional stretch and recovery and low crease factor. The range also has high wicking, odour dispelling properties and is easy care.

The Summer 08 range will expand into other active wear and outdoor retail stores nationally to be released around mid-March for delivery to stores in August. For more information go to www.redislandmerino.com.au.