Early start

SYDNEY: Sun Herald fashion and style director Glynis Traill-Nash, hairdresser Bruce Packer and Paul Higgins, of Sydney-based label Circa 75 are just some of the panelists lined up for Fashion Group International of Sydney's impending fashion flash forecast. The bi-annual breakfast event, to be staged in Sydney on June 20 and Melbourne on June 25, features an audiovisual presentation of the European and US ready-to-wear collections for autumn/winter 2007/08 followed by a panel discussion. For more: fgisydney@hotmail.com

Bags and beyond
SYDNEY: Handbag label Pink Corporation has extended its range, including a new line of must-have accessories targeted specifically at "mums". The range, dubbed 'pink+blue yummy mummy bags', is available in three styles with each featuring additional pockets on the outside and reinforced should straps. The bags are available in three neutral colourways - black, tan and brown - and have water resistant nylon lining. Each bag retails for $379. For more: 02 9662 6111.

Open for business
MELBOURNE: Footwear retailer Peter Sheppard has opened what the brand claim's is the country's largest freestanding shoe store in Melbourne. The label has invested more than $1 million in developing the outlet, located at the old National Bank Building on Collins Street. The 800 square metre site was designed in neutral tones by Richard Oakley Architects and Edge Retail Concepts, with the centre piece being a three metre wide chandelier. For more: petersheppard.com.au

Trend change
NATIONAL: Deborah Minning has been announced as the new representative for trend forecast service Promostyl Australia. Mining, who replaced Deborah Jamieson, has an extensive background in retail design having worked with the Armani brand in Australia and having spent many years overseas working for Calvin Klein. The news comes at a busy time for the brand, which recently introduced a new online tool that allows subscribers access to a multimedia trends reports through its website every two months. The brand will still publish its trend books with winter 2008/09 and summer 2009 books for influences, colour and textiles available now. Summer 2009 for sport, baby, lingerie, beach, women and men body will be available from next month. For more: promostyl.com

Sports win
NATIONAL: Callaway Golf, Nike Australia and Footlocker were the big winners at the 2006 Australian Sporting Goods Association industry awards last month.
Callaway Golf and Nike Australia were joint winners of the 2006 Product Innovation of the Year Award, whilst Footlocker - Asia Pacific won the 2006 Retail Professional Development Program of the Year award, as voted by retailers. Adidas Australia won the apparel award for their Cricket Australia One day International Cricket top with Asics Oceania's men's statement running and Fiddes Sport's under armour heat gear core compression short were placed second and third respectively. For more: asga.com.au