Aus trio in Shanghai surprise
Showcasing at Shanghai lifestyle, entertainment and boutique retail venue Xintiandi, the labels will join established fashion stars Easton Pearson, Jayson Brunsdon, FashionAssassin and Ess-Hoshika, concluding with Shanghai Fashion Week's first ever all-Australian fashion showcase on October 31.
Austrade regional export adviser Julianne Merriman said the trio - also set to take part in fashion events throughout Celebrate Australia - represented three very different markets, with Kanchi embodying timeless fashion, DavisEyes characterised by luxe punk glam styling and High Tea with Mrs Woo defining itself as modern and quirky.
"All three [labels] provide interesting and unique designs, showing the freshness and uniqueness of Australia from a contemporary, edgy perspective.
"Chinese fashion and design buyers are very astute and are becoming increasingly interested in Australian designers, so it's the perfect time to showcase these emerging designers," Merriman said.
Business acumen was also a factor in the designers' selection, with all three showing they were "incredibly well prepared in terms of marketing collateral
both locally and internationally, she said.
Kanchi designer Kanchi Williams described the Shanghai showcase as an "ideal marketing opportunity" and a chance to gain familiarity with and contacts in the Chinese market.
DavisEyes designer Justine Davis - also showcasing her diffusion label Angel at Shanghai - agreed.
"Because China is such a big market if you can find one small niche that understands your brand it's a good result; a small niche in China is huge."
A spokesperson for Newcastle-based brand High Tea With Mrs Woo, which is appearing overseas for the first time, described the Shanghai trip as "truly exciting".