Ads all good NATIONAL: Claims of the use of gratuitous nudity in advertising continues to plague the industry with four apparel brands forced to defend their marketing material last month. Kayser Lingerie, Guess, Bras n' Things and Calvin Klein all had their use of nudity and sexual overtures called into question after complaints to Australia's Advertising Standards Bureau. Despite several complainants slamming the ads, which ran across both print and outdoor, as "degrading" and pornographic, the board found all four companies not guilty of breaching the Advertisers Code of Conduct. For more: 02 6262 9822.
Sheepish success NATIONAL: Sheepskin footwear brand Emu Australia has made a successful debut into the apparel market picking up a range of high profile stockists across the US. Retail chains to purchase the newly released range include LA-based retailer Fred Segals, Santa Barbara's Wendy Foster and Angel, and New York's Montmartre stores. The collection, instore from August in time for the northern hemisphere autumn/winter, will also be stocked at Macy's stores throughout the US. The brand now intends targeting the UK, European and New Zealand markets. For more: 03 9533 6117.
Going mobile NATIONAL: Fashion retailing is set to undergo a radical change with the launch of a mobile version of shopping site Lasoo which allows bargain hunters with internet-enabled phones to search for the brands and shopping deals from selected local retailers. The program, which also comes with a store locater, empowers shoppers to search across more than 10,000 products from retailers including Myer, BWS, Target and Big W. For more: 02 9951 6826.
Phoenix rising NATIONAL: Online store Trilby Phoenix has staged its official launch, introducing a range of exclusive accessories collections to the Australian market. Founded by Sydney fashion follower Holly Baxter, the store features a limited edition range of hats, scarves, leggings and jewellery from around the world with key collections from Jade Jagger, Leila, Botkier, Orka Messica and Alex & Chloe among those on offer. The online arm is supported by a new showroom in Sydney's Paddington which is open by appointment only. For more: 02 9356 3030
