Kiwi Kumfs US debut

AUCKLAND: Kiwi shoe manufacturer Kumfs has opened its first fully-owned store in the US, in downtown California. The brand, which specialises in off-the-shelf shoes capable of taking orthotic inserts, has been its selling shoes through US retailers for more than 26 years. The privately-owned company, which has 16 dedicated Australian stores as well as 200-pus outlets, derives around half of its annual sales - worth more than $54 million - from its Australian arm.

Fashion counselled
SYDNEY: The newly-formed TFIA body the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has announced a series of nationwide "meet and greet" meetings following the success of two preliminary events in Sydney and Melbourne recently. More than 90 fashion managed to clear a lengthy waiting list to secure attendance at the Sydney event, which featured informative presentations by TressCox Lawyers, AusIndustry Austrade and the New South Wales Government. AFC managing director Zoe Edquist said the council would be holding similar events in Brisbane and Adelaide in coming months as well as launching other initiatives including a national skills registry, a fashion industry handbook as well as its core legal and business advisory service.

Festival's oui oui
SYDNEY: High-end French lingerie designers Chantel Thomass, Lejaby and Hui will showcase their latest collections at the official launch of the French Rendez-vous festival on June 30. Held at the Sofitel Wentworth Ballroom, the runway show will also feature accessories from jewellery designer Tortuga and will be hosted by the French Ambassador to Australia François Descoueyte. The evening will kick off with French champagne, canapés and a selection of sultry French music. For more: 02 9368 7277.

Camping out
SYDNEY: Men's and women's footwear label Camper has opened its second store in Melbourne at the Chatswood Shopping Centre and its second store in Sydney at Chatswood Chase. The new stores were designed by Nayra Iglesis Sanchez at the Camper Studio in Spain and feature organic materials such as wood and recyclable interwoven cardboard display cases. The stores will stock the current 06/07 spring/summer collection, launched during an elaborate garden party
Technology roadmap
MELBOURNE: The TTNA will also hold a Technology Roadmaps and Skills Studies Program from 1.30 to 5pm on June 21 at RMIT University's Brunswick campus. This purpose of the forum will be to assist technical and nonwoven textile firms enhance their competitiveness in the current environment. Discussion points will include: how to maintain a skilled and capable workforce, investment in research and development, investment in the latest technology, environmental management, productivity and efficiency improvements, the development of export markets and the commercialisation of new products. For more: lorraine@ttna.com.au

Trends 07/08 released
SYDNEY: International trend forecasting service Promostyl has launched its the new shape trend books for winter 2007/08. The Shapes Trend Books for winter 07/08 covers a variety of categories including women's trends and fabric update, women's knitwear, men's trends and fabric update, children's trends and fabric update, junior trends and an accessory. Appointments are available with Promostyl Australia & NZ trend agent Deborah Jamieson for previewing the books. For more: promostylaustralia@yahoo.com.au