Briefs
Tight knickers
NATIONAL: The owner of Bras N Things (BNT) has refused to comment on speculation the intimate apparel brand is up for sale. CEO of BB Retail Capital, Brett Blundy, would not confirm or deny rumours that first appeared in the Australian Financial Review on May 6 that he is looking to off-load 190 BNT stores. The AFR suggested Blundy is keen to focus his energies on another of his investments, the rapidly expanding accessories chain Diva. BNT is co-owned by a number of private investment firms. Other brands in Blundy’s portfolio include Dusk, Adairs and Urban Home Republic.
Rugged up
SYDNEY: Vivian Chan Shaw has followed in the footsteps of Akira Isogawa, Alex Perry and Easton Pearson, launching a collaborative range with Designer Rugs. The rug collection is priced from $4450 (200x300cm) and consists of six colourful designs produced from 100 per cent New Zealand wool, with selected styles featuring highlights of viscose. All designs, which include swirls, geometrics and zigzags, can be custom-coloured and sized to suit any interior. Vivian Chan Shaw specialises in hand-loomed knitwear rendered in bright colours and fluid shapes.
Charitable venture
MELBOURNE: High street retail giant Country Road is preparing to ramp up its ethical credentials. The company will announce a new partnership with charity organisation the Red Cross in late June. The move comes on the back of ongoing work between the two organisations. Last year, the retailer donated 5267 units of product at a retail value of over $300,000 for sale in Red Cross stores across Australia and New Zealand.
Biggest Winner
SYDNEY: Fashion entrepreneur Bruno Schiavi has done it again. Fresh from launching a global collaborative shapewear range with Dr 90210’s Robert Rey, his apparel company Jupi Corporation has now been commissioned to design and distribute a range of athletic apparel for reality show The Biggest Loser. The line is licensed through US-based NBC Universal Television Consumer Products Group and Reveille LLC. It could potentially launch into the Australian market after its northern hemisphere debut later this year. Jupi Corporation is headquartered in Sydney.