Austrade gift

SYDNEY: Reed Gift Fairs has formed an alliance with the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) in an attempt to provide Australian jewellery and fashion wholesalers greater access to overseas markets. The alliance will see Austrade promote the company via its international trade network, targeting buyers from overseas markets. It will also hold free seminars for potential exporters. For its part, Reed will identify "Australian made" and "Australian designed" products, enabling Austrade to target international buyers interested in locally produced goods.

:Japanese influence
SYDNEY: East Sydney Design Studio graduate Joshua Granath has launched a debut ready-to-wear collection with an usual twist. Using Japanese school uniforms as the starting point for his garments' shape, Granath has mixed sailor bows and short pleated skirts with traditionally English fabrics to create his signature look. Priced between $165 and $484, the original prints have been designed inhouse and laser printed onto silk georgette. For more: 0414 808 205.

:Project property
NATIONAL: Retailers will soon be able to make use of a "one stop shop" aimed at assisting them to access property and leasing services. The initiative, from industry group the National Retail Association (NRA) and property services company Tenure Solutions, will also provide a project management advisory to service to help in the control of design, construction and implementation of new store openings. For more: nationalretailassociation.com.au

:House of hestia
NATIONAL: In keeping with its ongoing "Goddess" theme, lingerie brand hestia has launched a new advertising campaign fronted by Desperate Housewives actress Nicollete Sheridan. Launching later this month the brand's 2005 summer range, priced at between $19.99 and $24.99, will be promoted via a series of events "liberating Aussie housewives". Sheridan will travel to Australia next month to promote the brand and help stage a public event in Melbourne aimed at determing the city's "Ultimate housewife".