Newson gets RAW
MELBOURNE: Australian industrial designer Marc Newson looks set to continue his association with Holland-headquartered denim brand G-Star Raw, having just launched a new Spring/Summer 2006 collection. The range, Newson's third with the brand, includes T-shirts, hoodies and jeans. Only available from the G-Star concept store in Melbourne Central, the collection's price points range from $100 for a T-shirt to $350 for a jacket. For more: G-Star.com
:Guests gift
SYDNEY: Reed Gift Fairs is set to launch a new "members only" club which will team buyers with international trade visitors. Members will enjoy a raft of benefits including the use of their own first-class lounge with access to fresh food, drinks and the opportunity to network with other buyers and suppliers. A "matchmaking" process will help bring together suppliers and buyers at designated meeting times. Dubbed The Platinum Club, the program will be launched at the Sydney fair held February 25 to March 1. For more: reedgiftfairs.com.au
:Up for grabs
MELBOURNE: Global sportswear brand Nike has confirmed its advertising media account, currently held by Mitchell & Partners, is out to tender. The pitch comes less than a year after a senior management shake-up at Nike, which saw the departure of both its managing director and marketing director. Nike said a decision on its tender would be announced in the next few days.
:Calling all designers
SYDNEY: Applications are now open for the F.Rock 2006 fashion parade event which will be staged in September on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Around 10 lucky finalists will be determined by a panel of experienced judges and announced on March 26. There is no restriction on the style of garments entered however all designers must hail from the Northern Beaches or North Shore area. Entries close February 24, 2006. Visit frockfashion.com.au or call Helen Sattler on (02) 9949 5613.
:Tennis ace
MELBOURNE: Rising Russian tennis star Maria Kirilenko has been named the new face of the Adidas by Stella McCartney tennis range. Kirilenko, who stepped out at the Australian Open earlier this month in one of the ensembles, will wear key styles of the tennis line at all upcoming tournaments. The new Adidas by Stella McCartney tennis range will be available mid February in David Jones stores nationally and the new Adidas Performance Centre in Melbourne. Price points will range from $35 for accessories to $350 for apparel.
:Track inventory
SYDNEY: Software giant Microsoft has launched a new retail management system that will enable small to medium sized retailers track inventory more efficiently and improve customer service. With the Retail Management System 1.3, retailers can also expect improved memory management, increased system scalability and reliability and tighter credit card security. For more visit microsoft.com.au