Extra cheese tees?
MELBOURNE: Regional Victorian apparel business Take Away Tees has launched a range of six pizza-themed children's tees. Packaged in mini-pizza boxes with mouth-watering names including Hawaiian, marinara, chicken, Americana, barbecue or Mexican - the tees are available in sizes 0 to 4 and cost $30 plus postage. The Torquay-based company's next release will comprise bibs and baby wraps. For more: takeawaydesign.com.au
Chic in a click
PERTH: Parisian designer Laurence Pasquier has launched a website at laurence-pasquier.com, featuring a full catalogue and stockist listing. Pasquier - currently selling her third season in Australia - is stocked at selected boutiques nationally including Orson & Blake in Sydney and Emporia in Perth.
Crafty re-branding
MELBOURNE: Haberdashery, textiles and home crafts retailer Lincraft has unveiled a new logo and colour scheme, following its rescue from receivership by retailers Brian Swersky and John Maguire earlier this year. Joint managing director Swersky claimed the chain was trading well and expecting a return to profitability within three months. Lincraft currently operates 32 stores throughout Australia, and has plans to open up to 10 additional outlets in the next 12 to 18 months.
Fragile gets tough
SYDNEY: Maternity brand Fragile has seen in its 10th anniversary (and 20th collection) by appointing a new international agent. Based in the US, the move will result in the Australian label being represented across the US, Canada and Europe. The birthday celebrations continued with the brand launching its own website (fragile.com.au), introducing a new international gift service as well as showcasing its summer 2006 collection.
Walker runs with Swanndri
NEW ZEALAND: Iconic rural and industrial label Swanndri has released details of a new design partnership with international fashion designer Karen Walker. In an intensive strategic review of its business over the past 12 months, Swanndri identified the need for investment in product development and innovation in the rural and industrial markets and to extend and develop its lifestyle range for an international market. The new range, dubbed Swanndri by Karen Walker, will include cashmere scarves, trench coats and sunhats based around the traditional Swanndri check and flannel.
Chinese connection
MELBOURNE: Australian importers, retailers and wholesalers are the target of an upcoming China Clothing & Textiles Expo being held in Melbourne. Organised by China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export, the expo will feature up to 100 Chinese clothing and textile suppliers keen to explore trade opportunities with Australian labels. Entry is free. For more: chinatextiles.com.au.