All stocked up

What better way to kick off the stocktake season than with an A-list launch party complete with Pepperjack wines and canapés created by leading Aussie chef Joe di Cintio? That's exactly what Victoria's shopping complex Chadstone did late last month as 60,000 shoppers flocked the centre for a 15 hour shopping blitz. Adding to the spectacle were belly dancers and giant flowers towering above crowds on stilts.

Harbouring good design
Port Melbourne is fast becoming a focal point for all things design thanks to the efforts of The Australian Academy of Design, which whooped it up at the opening of art show 'Landscape Sitelines - 5 ways' on May 30, coinciding with the launch of two new fashion courses - a one-year certificate and two-year diploma of applied fashion design - both of which commence in early 2008.

Designer diversions
Question: What do designers do to have fun? Answer: Head down to snazzy Danish retailer Olrik - formerly known as A Pair - for a meet and greet with an array of select guests, hosted by founder Benedicte Olrik and topped off with a lip-smacking array of drinks and eats.

Olrik Benedicte: Watch this space
Luxury accessory brand Omega threw open the doors to its first Australian flagship store recently in spectacular style. International ambassador Cindy Crawford flew in for the Sydney unveiling as Australian celebrities Ian Thorpe, Michael Klim and Laura Csortan lended some extra star-studded pulling power.