Dawn fades

MELBOURNE: The completion of department store Myer's $1.4 billion sale to US private equity group Texas Pacific Group on June 2 has seen outgoing managing director Dawn Robertson cut all ties with the company. Initially it was believed Robertson would stay on to oversee strategy as a director of Myer's newly formed board, but the 50-year-old has since reconsidered, claiming "I think it's better for them and it's better for me". As she fields approaches from both Australian and international headhunters, the jury is out on what Robertson's next move will be.

@dh1:Buying up Hong Kong
PERTH: The Textile Clothing and Footwear Industry of Western Australia (TCFWA) is hosting a buying mission to Hong Kong Fashion Week on behalf of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The buying mission is suitable for retailers looking to source new fashion and accessory labels, manufacturers interested in off shore manufacturing and designers and industry representatives aiming to broaden their business opportunities within the area. For more: 08 9479 3777.

:TFIA goes Brazilian
MELBOURNE: The Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) has undertaken a survey project for the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT)'s apparel export program - designed to increase Brazil's presence in the international fashion arena. Having recently travelled to Brazil and met with more than 100 apparel manufacturers, the TFIA intends to survey Australian retailers to assess their potential interest in Brazilian products. Retailers will be required to complete questionnaires, to be used by the TFIA to compile a database for ABIT, containing potential Australian buyers. Upon completion of the database, ABIT has revealed its intention to pay for Australian buyers to visit Brazil and meet with Brazilian fashion suppliers. Retailers interested in participating in the project should contact TFIA economist Lachlan Caddy. For more: lcaddy@tfia.com.au, or 03 9866 8962


:Naked ambition
Nearly Nude Lingerie, a client of The Useful Chick Stuff Company, has been
:Frou Frou fun
MELBOURNE: Womenswear brand Frou Frou has launched an online styling guide aimed at helping women to style themselves. The guide begins by asking customers to select one of four body shapes to work out what body type they, the 30-page then offers detail on how to style every different body shape and feature.
To coincide with the launch, the label is offering a free wardrobe consultation to customers based in Melbourne and Adelaide. For more: froufrou.com.au

:Creative Thread
Creativity and design in fashion and textiles is the theme of the upcoming seminar being staged by the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA). Part of a monthly series, seminar speakers include Rowena, Juliana and Angela Foong from High Tea with Mrs Woo, Andrew McDonald of Andrew McDonald Shoemakers and Amy Saunders from Woven Image. The July 3 event will be held at the Australian Museum from 6pm. For more: 02 9955 3955.