Austrade re-badges Oz fashion
The initiative would include swing tags featuring an image of a kangaroo and sun to be used at Australian style events overseas, confirmed national manager -- agribusiness and consumer Robert Sutton.
"We expect these can be carried in retail stores on Australian brands to increase consumer exposure during these events," Sutton said.
"In addition Austrade has recently finalised a new trade stand designed to represent larger groups at trade shows. Austrade will work with the industry on how this point of sale material is used during promotions."
The swing tags and trade stands were just two of a number of initiatives - including a recently launched online international showcase, titled stylefile -- designed to promote fashion overseas, he said.
The agency was proactively capitalizing on export opportunities in established markets including the US and UK and newer markets including Russia and China, he said.
"Austrade offices in Guangzhou and Shanghai are promoting Australian fashion specifically this year [and] opportunities exist in mid price branded garments."
The agency is also focusing on growing exports to South Asia and from October 26 to November 2 will hold the first combined buyer mission and seminar road show giving seminar attendees direct access to retail buyers from the region.
The event will be led by Austrade export specialists from the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand and senior Austrade trade commissioner for Singapore Maurine Chong, who described Asia as "a natural first-export destination if you are in the lifestyle, personal care, fashion or fashion accessories and jewellery business."
Austrade's current initiatives were the latest in a long-term strategy to drive the growth of fashion exports, said Sutton.
"This is a very exciting time for Australian fashion and it is tremendous to be able to showcase our design talent overseas. Austrade is working with the whole supply chain from natural fibres to garments. These activities reflect the scale of export opportunities within the industry," he said.