Discover the Warmth Of Australian Wool: Master & Dame at Perth Upmarket

Master & Dame is a small Western Australian brand with a story that begins in the paddocks of Gidgegannup and carries right through to the finished wool throws you’ll find at Perth Upmarket on 15 March.

Founded by Meegan Cavanagh, Master & Dame grew from a desire to see more done with the beautiful naturally coloured fleece produced by their Merino and Corriedale sheep. While much Australian wool is exported overseas, often for large-scale processing, Meegan felt there were limited high-quality Australian-made products that truly showcased the natural tones and quality of coloured wool. Rather than seeing their fleece disappear into the global commodity system, they decided to design and create products that would celebrate it.

Their sheep live in the Perth hills, where they are managed with care and a strong focus on regenerative agricultural practices. Each sheep is individually recognisable by its natural colouring, and many are known by name. The flock is handled with low stress techniques, shorn once a year, and carefully monitored. Mulesing is not practised, and the animals are provided with shade, shelter and supplementary feeding through the hotter months. At shearing time, smaller pieces of wool are composted, while the main fleece is set aside for processing or provided to handcrafters who transform it into unique pieces.

Turning that fleece into a finished blanket is a journey across Australia. With no commercial processing facilities currently operating in Western Australia and only one scouring plant left in the country, the wool is baled by colour and sent east to be scoured. Because the fleece is naturally coloured, it must be processed separately from white wool, which means scouring runs only happen occasionally. After scouring in South Australia, the wool travels to Victoria to be combed into tops, before heading to Tasmania to Waverley Mills, Australia’s last weaving mill.

It is there that Master & Dame’s signature products take shape. Woven to Meegan’s specifications, the boucle wool throws are lightweight, soft and generously sized. Available in chocolate, oat and a refined stripe, they highlight the depth and warmth of natural wool tones without the need for synthetic dyes. The boucle weave gives them texture and loft, making them ideal for layering over a bed, draping across a sofa or wrapping around your shoulders at an outdoor event.

One of the proudest moments for the brand came from feedback at Waverley Mills itself. The mill, which manufactures not only under its own name but also for many well-known Australian brands, commented that Master & Dame’s blankets were greatly admired for their design and quality, on par with or even exceeding many others they produce. It was a strong affirmation that the time, care and commitment to Australian manufacturing was worth it.

Sustainability is woven through every part of the business. Wool is a renewable, biodegradable fibre that is breathable, temperature regulating and moisture wicking. Because the fleece is naturally coloured, there is no need for fabric dyes. Modern scouring practices have improved water efficiency and enabled the recovery of lanolin, while keeping production within Australia supports local industries and reduces transport compared to overseas manufacturing. In a world dominated by fast fashion, Master & Dame’s philosophy is simple: create high-quality pieces that, with care, will last a lifetime and perhaps even be passed on to the next generation.

Like many small producers, the business is still in its development stage. The farm itself demands time and effort, and other professional work helps support the brand’s growth. One of the biggest challenges has been marketing a higher-value product online, where customers cannot immediately feel the softness and weight of the fabric. That is one reason why markets are so important.

After visiting Perth Upmarket last November to see if it would be a good fit, Meegan was struck by the venue, the calibre of retailers and the energy of the crowd. With so many people enjoying a day out surrounded by quality local design, it felt like the right place to introduce Master & Dame in person.

At Perth Upmarket on Sunday 15 March, you can experience these throws for yourself. Feel the texture, see the richness of the natural colours and learn about the journey from paddock to finished piece. 

Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful wedding or anniversary gift, something special for Mother’s Day, or simply a beautiful addition to your own home, Master & Dame offers a distinctly Australian product grounded in care, craftsmanship and a deep respect for wool. To learn more, visit masteranddame.com.au.