Hong Kong on show

NATIONAL: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is again offering subsidised hotel accommodation deals to Australian buyers wishing to attend Hong Kong Fashion Week spring/summer 2008. The council will sponsor accommodation up to the value of $HK1,800 ($A281) for first-time buyers visiting the July 10 to 13 event. Last year a total of 1,100 brands exhibited at the event together with 21,000 global buyers. For more: hkfashionsss.visitor@tdc.org.hk

Hallenstein's hunt
NEW ZEALAND: The managing director of listed apparel chain Hallenstein Glasson has resigned from the company after four years at the helm. Cliff Kinraid announced he is leaving the company to follow "private business interests". The company, which successfully expanded its Hallensteins and Glassons clothing chains into Australia, has begun the search for a new chief executive with non-executive directors and senior executive team holding the reins until a replacement can be found.

Calvo spreads wings
MELBOURNE: Victorian designer Oscar Calvo has made his first foray into retailing, opening up a new flagship boutique in Collingwood. Formerly an area manager for racewear specialist Barbara Wilson, Calvo first began wholesaling his own menswear range in 2004 and sells to boutiques nationally. The new store, on Johnston Street, Collingwood, stocks customised suiting, casual fun pieces as well as footwear and accessories. For more: 03 9410 0243.

Jewellers shine
SYDNEY: Several Australian jewellery labels were among those recognised at Reed Gift Fair's 2007 Gift Awards. Samantha Wills took out the award for best Australian designed and manufactured jewellery and fashion product for her 'Lady Peacock necklace', while Caddy Design was awarded the best jewellery and fashion product designed in Australia and manufactured overseas for its 'Lakeside' collection. Mainichi took out the best Australian designed jewellery and fashion product range. For more: thegiftawards.com.au

Sight unseen
NATIONAL: Womenswear brand Bracewell has commissioned a London illustrative artist to create a series of works inspired by its spring/summer 2007 collection. Erin Petson, who has also done work for Stella McCartney and Selfridges, will use the range to create 10 original pieces, as well as a limited number of smaller digital reproductions, which will later be exhibited at Bracewell's new vintage concept store in Penny Arcade. The exhibition launch will be timed with the brand's spring/summer drop into stores. For more: bracewell.com.au