NATIONAL: Unisex fashion brand Morrissey is still alive and kicking - despite reports its spring/summer 2009 collection would be its last.
Retail powerhouse Webster Holdings, which acquired the label from Oroton Group in 2006, announced the closure of all Morrissey stand-alone stores earlier this month. This included sites in Sydney's Westfield Bondi Junction, Paddington precinct, Sydney Central Plaza and Melbourne Central Plaza.
Brand business manager Paula MacKenzie said the decision was spurred by the "severity of the global economic crisis".
"A number of alternative solutions were considered, however unfortunately in the current economic climate it is no longer viable for the Morrissey stores to continue to operate."
However, while the closures meant apparel collections would no longer be available through dedicated Morrissey stores, the brand's licensing arm continued to trade on. Privately owned eyewear manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor Sunshades Eyewear confirmed its licence with Morrissey was stronger than ever.
The Alexandria-headquartered company had held the licence for eight years.
Marketing and creative manager Riena Voss said Morrissey Eyewear was among the top ten brands retailed at department store Myer and recorded "substantial" growth at David Jones over the spring/summer 2008 season.
"Morrissey also includes optical frames and this is growing in the optometrist market segment."
She said the brand's founder Peter Morrissey worked with eyewear design specialist Nick Zogopoulos on developing key looks. The latest range was described as having a futuristic 'Gattaca meets Lady Gaga' aesthetic with every frame featuring German hinges and Italian Mazzuchelli acetates. A total of 60 sunglasses and 40 optical frames were offered as part of the collection.
Webster Holdings Morrissey brand business manager Paul MacKenzie said the label would continue to seek further opportunities in the licensing arena. It is understood Webster Holdings continued to own the rights to the 'Morrissey' name.
Landlord negotiations prevented the retail group from commenting on when the Morrissey stores would cease to trade.