Art of fashion

MELBOURNE: Edgy fashion retailer Alice Euphemia is showcasing works from two renowned Melbourne labels. 'Ikebana' is Wolfgang & Vincent's new range of neckpieces and pendants inspired by Japanese floral arrangements and family crests, while Simon MacEwan's 'Minuet' exhibition features watercolour paintings and brooches that transform into animals and palaces. The combined show opened on May 4 and runs until June 15 at Alice Euphemia, shop 6, Cathedral Arcade, 37 Swanston St Melbourne.

RMIT course
MELBOURNE: RMIT University has launched a training program focussing on its recently acquired 3D Browzwear VStitcher, a textile and fashion design software package that bridges the gap from fibre to finished garment. As well as design capabilities the software incorporates practical aspects of textiles and the performance characteristics of yarns and fabrics. It can also link to any current CAD based two-dimensional pattern from any current CAD system as well as to any 3D body scanning technology. An inaugural four-day course commenced on May 4 and 5 and will continue through May 11 and 12, with further courses planned.

Training review
MELBOURNE: Victorian Minister for Education and Training Lynne Kosky and the board of the International Fibre Centre (IFC) have launched a review of the need for funding arrangements for specialist education and training for the fibre and textile industries. The review - to be conducted by a subcommittee of the IFC Board, with the aid of independent consultants - will examine the need for special funding arrangements and a specialist organisation such as the IFC to provide support for education and training within the industry. The review process was initiated last month with the circulation of an issues paper to industry stakeholders, describing the programs and initiatives carried out by the IFC so far and requesting comments and suggestions.

Business of Fashion
SYDNEY: A survey conducted by Mercedes Australian Fashion Week sponsor DHL between April 21-26 among fashion week participants including designers, manufacturers and buyers, found that 90 per cent of respondents, including designers and manufacturers, believed more garment manufacturing would be moved offshore and 47 per cent believed this would negatively impact the industry. The Business of Fashion survey also found that industry needed better business training and more help to export if it was to remain competitive. DHL Express senior Vice President Oceania Gary Edstein said the ability to source materials cost-effectively would improve profitability for Australian businesses.

Faking it
SYDNEY: Online HR solutions provider Onetest has launched a new work reliability assessment to identify counterproductive behaviours in staff and reduce instore theft. Designed in Australia by Onetest's organisational psychologists, the Work Reliability Scale (OWRS) is a psychometric test that assesses attitudes towards theft and dishonesty. Stealing from the boss is rife among organisations in Australia costing upwards of $1.5 billion a year. The retail industry alone loses up to 1.125 percent every year from stolen merchandise.
The test is conducted online and can be incorporated as part of the inventory of pre-employment tests. For more: 1300 137 937.