E-VENTURE WITH ECO CRED NATIONAL: Former InStyle magazine news editor Matthew Paroz has launched an online Australian eco-ethical fashion directory called How Big is Your Eco. Designed to promote environmentally sustainable fashion labels, consumers can rifle through categories including accessories, bags, underwear, baby and men’s and womenswear. Labels featured on the site include LIFEwithBIRD, Fleur Wood and Apple & Bee.
EXPANDING IN PADDINGTON SYDNEY: The powers that be at Trilby Phoenix are reversing a typical retail trend, opening their first physical store to compliment their existing online portal. The accessories retailer, which stocks both local and international accessory labels such as 6126 Collection, Kova & T, Jules Smith and Noir, opened a boutique on Paddington’s Oxford Street fashion preccinct. The store had its first day of trade on March 9.
TWO NEW HOMES SYDNEY: The owner of independent womenswear boutique Pretty Dog, Tanya Stevanovic, is taking the business online. The Pretty Dog online store is set to be operational for spring/summer 2010/11 and is the second major undertaking for Stevanovic for 2010. The Pretty Dog physical store is also undergoing changes, set to move to larger premises in Newtown in April. Pretty Dog carries home-grown and international labels including Therese Rawsthorne, Gary Bigeni, Friedrich Gray and Skin & Threads.
LOVED UP ONLINE MELBOURNE: Witchery has embraced viral marketing to promote its autumn/winter 2010 offer. The High Street retailer has released a short film on its dedicated Youtube channel on the theme of modern love. The 2.23 minute film features a young couple wearing Witchery and Witchery Man apparel and accessories.
KAFTANS GO GLOBAL BRISBANE: Colin Heaney has launched an online store at www.colinheaney.com. The Australian kaftan designer said the move was prompted by growing demand from international clients. It comes on the back of a busy year for Heaney, who released a swimwear line with sarongs, head pieces, and variations on his kaftan range in 2009. He is set to venture into winter kaftans and cashmere wraps for 2010.
