NATIONAL: Morrissey womenswear is set for a revival in 2011, with parent company Webster Holdings searching for a new creative director to head up the move.
The label halted production of its women’s and men’s apparel in early 2009, at which time it also closed its national Morrissey retail stores. It shifted its attention to eyewear products, produced via a licensing agreement with Sydney-based company Sunshades Eyewear.
Webster Holdings head of licensing Nigel Davis said the company would appoint a new creative director this year to manage both the apparel division and the overall brand direction. He said the new apparel range would capture the “jet-set glamour” signature of the brand.
“Generally speaking, the collection will be pitched to encompass pieces for both AM and PM, which will have reach from ‘corporate to cocktail’,” he said.
Davis said it was too early to confirm how it would be distributed, or if it would be launched for the summer or winter season next year.
Morrissey has also branched into leather bags and leather accessories, produced through a new licensing agreement with Melbourne-based manufacturer Milleni.
It will offer two seasonal collections a year, commencing in winter 2010. The launch collection will comprise a mix of 25 handbags, satchels, purses and wallets for men and women. Colours include red, black, taupe and purple.
“They are pitched to fashion savvy consumers who appreciate quality and fashion detailing that is on trend, yet priced attractively and below that of the highly priced and so-called status imports,” he said. Made with Italian leather in Asia, retail prices will start at $145.
Davis said the company was targeting “appropriately directional” fashion retailers nationally to stock the range. It will show the leather goods to retailers at trade show Fashion Exposed in Sydney in February.
He said the company would restrict advertising of the range to its website in the short term.
The Morrissey label was originally launched by designer Peter Morrissey in the 1990s. It was sold to Oroton Group before Webster Holdings picked it up in 2006. It is understood Peter Morrissey is no longer involved with the label.
He recently created an underwear collection for national retailer Big W.
Melinda Oliver