SYDNEY: A major Indian government campaign aimed at bolstering trade relations with Australian fashion businesses has just received an unexpected shot in the arm.
Queensland-based womenswear brand Easton Pearson has been announced as the recipient as the 2009 Australian Fashion Laureate award. Founded by Lydia Pearson and Pamela Easton in 1989, the label has garnered a strong reputation for its ties with Indian dressmakers and artisans.
The Laureate announcement was made before media and industry guests at the Art Gallery of New South Wales this morning (December 10). A video presentation showed Pearson and Easton's dedication to fine detailing, with Indian workers pictured sewing sequins and embellishments to the brand's signature tunics.
Easton Pearson's win comes as the Indian government zeros in on fashion exports to the Australian market. The inaugural Brand India trade fair was held across Melbourne and Sydney last month, seeing Indian fabric suppliers, manufacturers and clothing brands showcase their wares to Australian buyers and designers.
Country Road, Specialty Fashion Group and retailers Belinda Seper and Collette Dinnigan were among the power players spotted at the fair.
The annual Australian Fashion Laureate award is a joint initiative of IMG Fashion Asia Pacfic and the New South Wales government. It aims to honour outstanding creative achievements, with previous winners including Carla Zampatti and Akira Isogawa.