State of fashion SYDNEY: Industry festival ‘fashionstate’ could be scrapped in 2010 due to a lack of sponsorship funding. Launched in March 2008 with the support of Austrade and the NSW Department of State and Regional Development, the event was cancelled in 2009 after tough economic conditions saw a lapse in industry sponsors. The event requires one $30,000 presenting partner, partners at $5000 each and event partners at $500. In 2008, fashionstate featured a range of events throughout the city of Sydney including exhibitions, retail tours and trade conferences. Australian Exhibitions and Conferences, organisers of trade fair Fashion Exposed, is pursuing any potential sponsors for the 2010 installment.
Bettina busts out MELBOURNE: Womenswear designer Bettina Liano has released a denim line targeted at women with curves. Dubbed Curvy, the venture currently comprises two key styles: ‘True Bootleg’ and ‘Slider’, a classic straight leg jean. Both cuts, available in sizes 8 to 16, are produced using indigo stretch denim and priced at $269.
Jenny bids farewell MELBOURNE: Iconic fashion designer Jenny Bannister has left the trade after a career spanning more than 30 years. Bannister cited “aggressive” union regulations, a lack of skilled contractors willing to cater to small runs and cheap offshore imports as the reason behind her move. She told Ragtrader ‘boutique territorialism’ was also an issue. “Due to not being able to sell to too many shops in one city, we have to have a fast turnaround to one shop rather than small orders to a number of shops,” she said. A business cluster bankrolled by RMIT University also failed to take off, leaving her with crippling overhead costs. “So now, sadly, I have three superb assistants with no jobs and a big shop to lease in Melbourne.”
Dubarry steps up SYDNEY: Marine footwear label Dubarry is set to quadruple its product offer across Australia and New Zealand and will introduce men’s apparel in 2010. The Irish label is also likely to introduce womenswear and country-style clothing and footwear at a later date. Dubarry is run in Australia by marine apparel group Storm Performance, which acquired the Dubarry licence earlier this year.
