With store owners jetting in from Asia and designers gaining attention in the US, the fashion scene has been buzzing in recent weeks. Student showcase Westfield Bondi Junction hosted a two-week exhibition of student work from the Whitehouse Institute of Design last month. The efforts of styling, fashion design and interior design students was on display, with one from each category awarded $5000 towards their tuition fees. Styling student Eloise Arnold won her category, with models in her work pictured here.
Singapore stamp Raoul officially launched its first Australian store with a soiree at Crown Melbourne earlier this month. The men’s and women’s brand from Singapore revealed its new spring/summer collection on the night. Raoul owners Ben Benjamin and Douglas Benjamin flew in from Singapore to join Crown’s Ann Peacock in celebration.
Big Apple It is not every day that a major fashion house honours an independent Australian brand, but designers Bridget McCall and Nicholas Van Messner were the apple of Calvin Klein’s eye in New York recently. As reported in Ragtrader’s August 27 issue, the LifewithBIRD duo were the prime guests at a private industry dinner held for them by Calvin Klein creative director Francisco Costa (left). The Melbourne label is looking to expand its business into major US department stores.
Crossroads Fashion fans descended upon The Intersection shopping precinct in Sydney’s Paddington for a night of discounts on designer clothing earlier this month. They had the chance to meet Kit Willow, Kirrily Johnston, Josh Goot and Ksubi’s Dan Single among other Australian designers. Pictured are The Intersection’s landlords, Theo and Heidi Onisforou.
