WESTFIELD NUMBERS UP NATIONAL: Westfield Group has reported its full year results for 2009, recording operational earnings of $2.064 billion. The figure was up 6.2 per cent on the prior year. The shopping centre management company reported operational EBIT of $2.871 billion, up 8.3 per cent on 2008. Westfield Group operates 119 shopping centres across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and US.
ROBERTA ROLLER RABBIT SYDNEY: A new boutique filled with the colourful, Indian-inspired prints from New York designer Roberta Freymann has opened in William Street in Paddington. The Roberta Roller Rabbit boutique stocks womenswear from Freyman’s two labels as well as a range of men’s and childrenswear, accessories, bed and table linen. The Sydney boutique is operated by Desirée van Rensburg and Jonathan Pearce and joins Freymann’s numerous stores across the US.
RESEARCHER JOINS RMIT MELBOURNE: RMIT University has appointed a new professor to its School of Fashion and Textiles. Dr Jennifer Craik will provide research assistance across multiple disciplines including fashion design, textile design and fashion merchandising. Craik’s published works include ‘Fashion: The Key Concepts’ and ‘The Face of Fashion: cultural studies in fashion’.
A STRONG ALLIANCE SYDNEY: Fashion distribution house True Alliance has acquired three fresh brands for the new year including Lee, Riders by Lee and Wrangler. The fashion, sports and outdoor supplier has been operating since 1982, with powerhouse brands including Lacoste, Ben Sherman, The North Face, Reebok, Speedo, Rockport, Chantelle and Ugg Australia. To read more about Lacoste in Australia, turn to page 20.
A COUP FOR JUBE NATIONAL: Swimwear label Jemma Jube has created a limited edition range for UK retail giant Topshop. Landing as part of its spring 2010 offer, the exclusive collection will be available for purchase before Easter. It is priced from A$86 to A$103 and features the brand’s trademark ‘retro chic’ styles. These include full, high-waisted bottoms, halter-neck tops and colourful, printed one-piece swimsuits.
