Briefs
HOME BOUND
NEWCASTLE: Designer Linda Bergskas will take her bohemian womenswear label back to her birthplace this year when she hits the catwalk at Oslo Fashion Week. The Norway-born designer will be taking part in the August fashion week for the first time, showcasing the gypsy designs that make up her label Guanabana. The brand is ramping up its international presence after securing over 100 stockists on Australian soil including The Dressing Room (Vic), Dissh (Qld), Soul Sisters (WA) and Tuchuzy (NSW). International stockists thus far include chain stores in Japan and the US such as Kitson and Barnies NY.
MOVING INTO MENSWEAR
MELBOURNE: Ten-month-old label Búl is set to launch its first menswear collection this winter. The independent label, designed by Virginia Martin and carried in its own flagship boutique in Melbourne's CBD, will debut men's separates including Turkish-sourced denims, cardigans and jackets. The colour palette for the men's collection includes cream and charcoal with an added injection of hot pink. The brand anticipates opening a second flagship in Melbourne's Fitzroy in April.
ADA APPOINTS PATRON
MELBOURNE: The Australian Design Alliance (ADA) has announced architect and designer Michael Bryce as its inaugural patron. The peak national body for Australian designers, formed in late 2010, appointed Bryce to the role earlier this month. The Council of Textile and Fashion Industries, which is among ADA's member organisations, welcomed Bryce's appointment. The ADA was formed to represent designers from fields including fashion, architecture and graphic design and to boost Australia's productivity, sustainability and innovation through design.
NUMBER TWO FOR IN.U
PERTH: Newcomer to the footwear industry in.u has opened its second Australian boutique in Claremont, Perth. Fitted out with customised furniture, chandeliers, gold-framed windows and black carpet, the brand hopes to offer customers an "A-list" shopping experience. The new boutique adds to in.u's existing stores in Subiaco, Perth and concessions in Singapore's Robinsons department store. in.u offers women's fashion footwear in materials including pony hair, snakeskin and leather. The brand has indicated it will open additional stores in 2011.