The catwalk took to the stud farm yesterday as Coolaroo alpaca stud farm gave a glimpse of their fleecy future.

The seriously fashion conscious rubbed shoulders with serious stud farmers as Coolaroo put on its annual fashion parade before getting down to the business of auctioning 28 of the finest alpacas in Australia.

With people packing the Champs-Elysees of the paddock, Coolaroo director and Australian alpaca advocate Jane Hicks said it was a great way to showcase an industry that has grown so much in the last few years.

Opening the exhibition Ms Hicks said the Australian alpaca industry has led the charge in revolutionising the exotic fine fleece.

"In the last few years the alpaca industry has improved in leaps and bounds," Ms Hicks said.

"The investment in alpaca wool technology has made sure the industry has left being a cottage industry and is now a serious contender in the wool industry."

Proof was in the parade as models strutted the 2003 alpaca collection from its traditional Peruvian roots through to a contemporary Australian collection.

The positive response on the catwalk flowed through to the auction yard as top stud alpacas went under the hammer.

"The auction was a little softer than previous years," Ms Hicks said.

"But considering the current circumstances including drought and international conflict making an investment in a new market is risky so that was expected."

Out of the 28 head that went to auction only five were passed in.

The strongest auction performers were the alpacas which went under the hammer for charity raising money for breast cancer research.

"It's so great to see people digging deep when it comes to charity," she said.

"We were overwhelmed not only with the charity auction but with peoples generous donations throughout the day.