NATIONAL: Leading swimwear designers are cautiously optimistic about attempts to plug the rip left behind by the collapse of Swim Fashion Week 2010.
As reported on ragtrader.com.au last month, event organisers IMG Fashion Asia Pacific were forced to axe the trade showcase due to a lack of corporate sponsorship.
Regional marketing and communications director Graeme Lewsey told ragtrader.com.au that a group swimwear parade and exhibition space was on the cards for Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2010 (May 3 – 7).
However, some brands who participated in the inaugural Swim Fashion Week 2009 are skeptical about the amended format for 2010.
Upmarket label Hotel Bondi Swim (HBS) said it is working with IMG to create “along the lines of one days [sic] schedule dedicated to swim, a group show, an adjacent swim event or showroom that will attract the swim buyers and media.”
However, HBS designer Damien Fuller said the event was still out of sync with Swim Fashion Week, which took place during the swimwear selling season.
“Every buyer [at Swim Fashion Week] was a swim buyer as opposed to Rosemount Australian Fashion Week where we met many enthusiastic local and international buyers who were not authorised or didn't have budget to buy swim.”
“The press was equally focused on finding good swimwear to shoot.”
Sydney-based swimwear label Seventh Wonderland, which launched in Miami just under two years ago, confirmed it is still in discussions with IMG for a slot at the May event. Co-founder Carlos Aviles said the brand will continue to look for exposure “organically” both in Australia and abroad.
“I believe IMG have to really think proactively with their strategy towards Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in May as this may be difficult for certain young designers.”
It is understood a group showcase at the event starts at $6000.
Swim Fashion Week was scheduled to take place at Queensland's Sanctuary Cove precinct next month, with runway events and collection showrooms aimed at attracting key fashion media and swimwear buyers.