NATIONAL: Australian fashion designers still have a long way to go in catering for the needs of more mature age shoppers, according to comments on ragtrader.com.au's inaugural blog post.
Respected fashion agent Robert Garland, who has represented the likes of Lisa Ho, Supre and Table Eight throughout his 30 year career, kicked off the blog yesterday with a post on the "recession proof" fashion category.
Garland currently represents Black Pepper, Extra Pepper, Yvonne Black and Breakaway; brands he claimed caterered to a more "financially stable" and "less competitive" market.
According to his agency Garland Marketing and Sales, sales grew by 30 per cent this season despite tough economic conditions.
Reader Jennie Law believed fashion for mature women sized 14 - 18 was particularly difficult to source.
"Over 50's definately are [sic] forgotten when it comes to style unless you are a size 10 - 12," she commented. "There IS very little out there for the 14 - 18 mature age lady."
Storeowner 'Christine' wrote demand for "dresses with a sleeve" was strong but that garments made to this specification were hard to find. Meanwhile Subfusco designer Joshua Scacheri discussed the tension between art and wearability.
"Being a designer, you are torn between directional designs and making money on more basic styles for a mature consumer."
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