Kat Walker

Decjuba's covert move?

Womenswear label Decjuba has undergone various transformations over the years, and if the current rumours prove true, looks set to yet enter another. Lately a member of Melbourne company Covert Fashions' stable, word is that the brand has been sold to one half of the partnership that owned? or still owns? Cotton On - (the facts remain shrouded in mystery due to numerous unreturned calls/emails made by Ragtrader staff).

Whispers are circulating that reputed new owner Tanya Austin, of Tanya and Nigel Austin fame, plans to give Decjuba a further coat of high end polish, but for all we know, maybe it will re-emerge as a world class airline. Whatever the brand has up its chiffon sleeve, here's hoping it realises its true potential and takes off.

From CK, with millions

Recession? What recession? The only sign of decline at Calvin Klein's spectacular Cockatoo Island launch last month were two models who, lounging on a specially created rock installation, wore nothing more than a pair of designer sunnies.

Well there was that and what one Vogue Online commentator dubbed as the "surprisingly petite" frame of Hollywood actor Ryan Phillipe, there to accompany his girlfriend, actress and co-host for the evening Abbie Cornish. Shortcomings aside, the spring/summer 2009 event pulled no punches with ferries booked in to take guests to and from the exclusive venue, light work from acclaimed Aboriginal artist Jonathan Jones and enough premium pre-Christmas grog to drown the world's money woes.

Feeling the pinch

Speaking of money woes, it turns out the move by some fashion designers to bring their PR activities in-house isn't all about saving dollars. Sometimes, it can be about running from them. Kat Walker was surprised to hear one Myer-stocked womenswear designer, who spoke at length about the toils of paying external agencies up to $3000 a month to handle her account, left a leading PR rep with $20,000 in unpaid bills. Tsk, tsk.