Fashion designers set for Higher Learning

 

SYDNEY: A new fashion business seminar with industry speakers is designed to bridge the gap between start-up and success for emerging fashion designers.

Dialogue PR directors Justin Levy and Nathan Sullivan are behind the initiative called Higher Learning, a seminar program set to launch after Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in May. The first instalment is scheduled to run at Sydney venue The Ivy over a two-day period.

Levy said it was launched due to frequent requests from fashion designers for business advice.

“It allows individuals to seriously contemplate their plans for the future by identifying and fortifying the weaknesses and strengths of their vision,” said Levy. “It’s an intellectual event, not a social get-together.”

Key speakers include Craig King from General Pants, who will offer advice on securing retail accounts, and camilla and marc designer Marc Freeman, who will lecture designers on how to “live the label” they produce.

Sweaty Betty PR director Roxy Jacenko will present on the ‘power of the press’, while designer Josh Goot will advise designers on how to create a unique aesthetic for the international market. Kath Purkis from online retailer Le Black Book will detail how to direct a successful e-commerce website from scratch.

Further speakers include Michaela Griffiths Lease, a former designer relations manager for Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, who will reveal commercial strategies for fashion trade events.

Singleton Ogilvy & Mather’s Barry Mowszowski will define how to implement a creative strategy and execute it, while Christine Kaine from Business Angels will detail how to attract business investors.

A key element will be the ‘Dead Space Living Artist’ competition, which will allow one young designer to transform a space within a General Pants store.

The event will be sponsored by Tempus Two wines. Tickets will cost $250 for the two days, with a limit of one hundred tickets available.

Levy envisages it will become an annual event, or be held in smaller installments throughout the year. He said future events may include international speakers or be held in other cities.

For more on ‘the power of the press’, turn to page 21.

Melinda Oliver