SYDNEY: Cohen et Sabine will tackle new markets in 2011 following a decision to appoint a European sales agent and expand into new product categories.
The womenswear label's founder and designer, Natalie Cohen, said she had her "fingers crossed" after appointing an agent to sell to Western Europe and the UK. “We've got our first sales the beginning of next month,” she said.
The northern hemisphere expansion will be complemented by the unveiling of Cohen et Sabine's first intimate apparel collection.
The 10-piece range is expected to land in the label's flagship store sometime between winter 2011 and spring/summer 2011/12.
“It's not really structural underwear, it's more delicate, fancy, to layer under clothing so you've got a beautiful strap showing through if you've got one of the finer, strappier dresses on,” Cohen said.
The range features silks and shell buttons and will be produced in sizes small to large.
Also set for an official launch in coming months is Cohen et Sabine's footwear range.
While Cohen began experimenting with footwear creations “a couple of seasons” ago, winter 2011 will see the release of eight styles including ankle boots and high heels.
Retailing from $350, the range is handmade in Indonesia, available in sizes 36 to 41 and has already secured 10 stockists nationally. “Everything's pretty much full leather except a few components here and there,” Cohen said.
She hopes the new ventures, along with the opening of Cohen et Sabine's sole retail store in December 2010, will provide a framework for brand growth. The flagship site opened on William Street in Paddington, Sydney.
“I know the world's in a bit of a financial crisis still in this point in time but I think things are going to pick up soon and [the retail lease] was too much of a good opportunity to pass up,” Cohen said.
Cohen et Sabine was founded in 2002 and survived voluntary administration in 2009. The brand has approximately 50 stockists including department store David Jones.
Erin O'Loughlin