SYDNEY: Designer Alice McCall is expanding into retail with her first flagship store, following a $50,000 federal government grant.
McCall was one of a number of independent brands which received funding as part of the Round 5 Textile, Clothing and Footwear Small Business Program. The grant is for projects to be undertaken in 2010/11.
The purpose of McCall's grant was reported as "managing the total business to sustain growth".
Other designers to receive a financial boost as part of the scheme, of various amounts, included Josh Goot, Anna & Boy, Dion Lee, Romance Was Born and Kirrily Johnston.
The Alice McCall store will open in South Dowling Street, Darlinghurst in November. It has been designed in conjunction with photographer Emma Summerton, with a two storey art collage on the outside wall.
For spring/summer 2010 the collection is themed 'The Accordion Girls', which alludes to gypsies and romance, with summer party dresses and separates. The winter 2011 range is themed 'Birds of a Feather' and will go in store early next year.
The brand launched in 2004 and has 160 international stockists across 10 countries. It also operates its own e-commerce boutique. It has a number of celebrity fans, including Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue and Natalie Imbruglia.