MAFW no shows still keen for more

SYDNEY: Awkward time slots, event clashes and even the odd birth have conspired to keep some of Australia and New Zealand's top designers away from next week's Mercedes Australian Fashion Week (MAFW).
Previously "99 percent certain" she would be attending MAFW spring/summer 06/07 event, established New Zealand label Trelise Cooper has pulled out of the schedule, accepting an invitation to show in New York later this year instead. Focusing on the company's US growth and existing clients - which include Saks 5th Avenue, Henri Bendel and Neiman Marcus - Cooper said she is planning to be back on the catwalk in Sydney in 2007 and is still on track for ANZFW in September.
Also off the Sydney schedule, Kate Sylvester has already been in Australia for the past few weeks showing her collection to buyers, including Myer.
"We have always shown at MAFW on alternate years - this is our year off," commented Sylvester. "The date change is great though so we're looking forward to returning in 2007."
Eveningwear designer Alex Perry also elected to go it alone this season, presenting his elegant show-stopping gowns at Studio Twenty4 at Walsh Bay, The Rocks last week.
Perry said he was unable to show as he could not secure his preferred time slot. "It was really important for me to show this year in a venue where natural light was available. Unfortunately this wasn't possible to achieve this year on-site and on-schedule with MAFW."
An absentee for the past few years, sass & bide has opted not to show due to the company concentrating on its US market and designer Sarah-Jane Clarke due to give birth in early June. Showing at L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival recently, the celebrity favourite will be on parade in New York in September.
Also showing in London, New York and Paris, respectively over the past few years Tsubi, Karen Walker, Willow and Collette Dinnigan have all confirmed their absence from the MAFW schedule with Ragtrader, as has Melbourne-based label Scanlan & Theodore and Sydney brand Morrissey.
Commenting on its absence from the Sydney schedule, Morrissey communications manager Cat Burke said the company's strategies were going in different directions at the moment.
"We are not looking for local or international wholesale clients; we're consolidating our business locally. We're not ruling out showing at MAFW in the future, in fact we look forward to next year."
Due to overseas activities Tsubi director George Gorrow said it's impossible for the company to focus on anything else properly.
"We have so many projects on at present such as our American store, the new shop opening in Melbourne and an exhibition in the USA. We love MAFW as it was our launching ground, and in no way are we turning our back on it. We are just unable to do it this year. Hopefully next year things will allow us to be involved once again. Fingers crossed."