General Pants music grab NATIONAL: General Pants Co has continued to win the hearts and wallets of Gen Y consumers, launching a record company called Major Label. The venture will see three undiscovered bands release a single through the record label each month. The single can be streamed through its website for no charge or purchased through providers like iTunes and Amazon for $1.68. Some 700 General Pants Co employees will be involved in the process, recruiting new acts in-store and at local concert gigs.
Shocked but saved NATIONAL: A complaint against value retailer Rivers has been dismissed by the Advertising Standards Bureau. It was the second complaint issued to the board regarding Rivers in the last six months. The catalogue advertisement for a summer sale showed a woman sitting astride a box, with her back to the camera, with a slightly exposed bottom and bra strap. Complaints suggested it was overtly sexual and contained nudity. The board determined the advertisement was likely to be viewed as “mildly risque but not sexually suggestive”.
Step to apparel MELBOURNE: Sheepskin footwear brand Emu Australia has launched its first womenswear lifestyle collection for winter 2010. The offer will be made entirely from superfine merino wool and premium sheepskin. Products included base layers, comfort pieces, chunky knits, outerwear and accessories. Scarves, earmuffs, mittens, leather gloves and a leather bucket hat are also in the mix. Prices range from $30 for accessories to $780 for a full-length sheepskin and merino wool coat. The label has been designing sheepskin boots for 14 years.
Oz jewels shine SYDNEY: Jewellery designer Valeska Dominguez is set to appear on interactive US lifestyle shopping network HSN, following her debut in December 2009. Dominguez staged two live one-hour shows on December 16 at 2 AM and 8 PM (EST). Further shows presenting the designer’s fashion-oriented pieces are scheduled to air this month and in May. Dominguez founded her jewellery business in 2004 in partnership with husband James. Contemporary geometric designs are key to the look.
