Swimshow all set
GOLD COAST: Organisers of Swimshow Australia 2011 have revealed the initial brands locked in for the March 23-25 trade showcase. White Sands, Guanabana, Claire Powell, Phax, Hive and Monique Bryden will be among a group of swimwear labels to take part in the inaugural show, which includes runway parades, showrooms and off-site activations. Industry registrations opened in the last week of August with trend forecasting giant WGSN, Lingerie Buyer (UK) and Women’s Wear Daily (USA) among those reportedly signing up to attend.
Independent win
ADELAIDE: Fashion boutique Sydney Street Casual scored top honours in its category at an awards breakfast staged by the Australian Retailers Association last month. The 13-year-old boutique was voted the 2010 Australian Independent Retailer of the Year, beating out other businesses outside the fashion sector. The South Australian business stocks labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Daily Sports, Henri Lloyd, Sporte Leisure and Gant. General manager Brett Partington said denim label Not Your Daughter’s Jeans was particularly lucrative, with one satisfied customer owning 18 pairs. The Sydney Street
Privilege Club has close to 6500 members, with the company regularly contacting customers for new season stock announcements.
Training tailors
PERTH: The Challenger Institute of Technology is claiming an Australian first by offering designers the chance to learn traditional tailoring from a Savile Row master craftsman. Designers will be offered a three-part tailoring program at its Visage Fashion Studio in Fremantle, taught by respected tailor Sydney Flowers and incorporating advanced skills in the art of hand-made garment construction.
NZ VENTURES
AUCKLAND: Retail mall space in Auckland and Wellington is predicted to soar in the next three to five years, with developers scrambling to finish new projects ahead of a significant jump in demand from retailers. Demand for retail property is set to outstrip supply by 14,569sqm this year, according to a report by property firm CBRE.