FITTING FOOTWEAR NATIONAL: Casual footwear brand Sketchers has released a new range of women’s sneakers it claims will help promote weight loss and tone muscles. Dubbed Sketchers Shape Ups, the new collection features a wedge of modulated polyurethane that simulates the sensation of walking on sand. Boasting six different styles, the collection is being sold through Australian distribution company Accent Group and will be available nationally from October. Retail price points range from $200 to $230. For more: 03 9427 9422.
WOMEN IN FASHION SYDNEY: Australian Fashion Partners director Serena Beirne was forced to make a flying visit to Singapore earlier this month after being selected to represent Australian TCF interests at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) Women Leaders Network meeting. Beirne elected to push sustainability as her platform at the August 4 to 6 meeting, which bought together more than 400 female industry leaders with the aim of benefiting women throughout the region.
GAIA GROWTH SYDNEY: Newborn brand Gaia Organic Cotton has undergone a growth spurt of its own by doubling its offering available to parents. The company has added a new tier with Gaia Child now offering a range for boys and girls up to size eight. Launched in store last month, the range is now stocked in David Jones stores nationally as well as selected boutiques. Key pieces include pullovers, grandpa all-in-ones, T-shirts, leggings, cardigans and hoodies. Retail price points range from $18 to $25. For more: 02 4962 3996.
RMIT GETS CLEAN MELBOURNE: RMIT University is believed to be the first educational facility to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The university has signed up to Zero Carbon Moreland with its School of Fashion and Textiles pledging to develop a “sustainability culture” by embedding principles of waste reduction in its classes. These include special modules exploring areas such as ethical production in the national and global supply chain, new synthetic fibres, organic fibres, toxicity and pollution and recycling clothes and fabrics. The school is also working with Moreland Energy Foundation to arrange workshops on reducing energy consumption.
