News Briefs
Last Hats off
SYDNEY: High-profile milliner Donny Galella intends to create his last fascinator this spring carnival racing season. Galella sells his collections through department store Myer, in addition to operating a bespoke headwear business. He now plans to focus on his menswear brand and independent styling work. He regularly presents a fashion segment on Channel 7’s Sunrise program and has styled celebrities ranging from Sir Richard Branson to Kelly Rowland.
Watch Out
SYDNEY: International jeweller Thomas Sabo will launch his first Australian concept store at Queen Victoria Building next month. Thomas Sabo currently operates 120 stores across the world and
has select wholesale accounts with independent retailers in Australia. The brand specialises in silver charms – its Charm Club collection has 540 pendants for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and mobile phones.
Walk the talk
SYDNEY: Fashion entrepreneur Bruno Schiavi has launched a consultancy arm aimed at future exporters. Schiavi has collaborated with celebrities such as Janet Jackson and Delta Goodrem on exclusive clothing collections. His new venture aims to assist exporters with sampling, manufacturing and sourcing products to marketing, PR, celebrity endorsements and logistics. The ‘Brand Building’ department will be part of Schiavi’s Jupi Corp business, which is headquartered in Sydney.
Finalists revealed
NATIONAL: Womenswear labels Therese Rawsthorne, Anon women, Moss & Spy, Ruby Smallbone and Dhini are among the finalists for the 2009 Chambord Shine Awards. Each designer will be awarded $1000 to complete a gown inspired by liqueur brand Chambord, with the winner revealed at an award ceremony on October 20. The winning outfit will be featured in a double-page spread in fashion consumer title Marie Claire.
JAPANESE INVASION
SYDNEY: High-profile fashion brand Friedrich Gray has cracked the Japanese market. The unisex ready-to-wear label has secured six independent retail accounts, including Isetan, Ships, Edition and American Rag Cie Japan in Tokyo.