Sizing sorted
NEW DELHI: A rationalised and standard-size chart for Indian consumers, based on Indian body build, may soon be made available to the Indian apparel industry. The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) has completed a project undertaken on garment sizing for Indian body size by developing software that can be used for mapping body size. It studied a sample size of 1,500 people across aged 18 to 26 years and collected anthropometrical data that was later analysed.
HONG KONG: Australian fashion companies Jacaru Australia, Donna Bellezza and Beverly Hills Trading are among the 900-plus exhibitors expected to make their way to Hong Kong for trade fair Fashion Access later this month. The Asian fair, running March 27 to 30, is the largest of its kind in the region and featuring handbags, travelware, leather and fur garments, and fashion accessories. Footwear will also feature prominently on the stands of exhibitors from Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, France, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and UK. Staged in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the exhibition will run concurrently with a materials, manufacturing and Technology networking event put together by show organisers APLF. For more: aplf.com
US calling
NEW YORK: Emerging Australian designers have been targeted by organisers of a unique trade fair set to make its debut in New York. Virtual fashion designer showroom brand Bel Esprit plans to launch two fashion trade shows on September 15 to 18 at the Hilton Hotel and Towers in New York. The first, dubbed Mondo Bello will present ethical, ecological, cruelty-free and fair trade collections of international designs while the second- called Bel Esprit Presents - will feature emerging international designer collections. For more belesprit.net
Timely move
SWITZERLAND: Renown designer label Ralph Lauren is joining forces with Swiss luxury goods firm Compagnie Financière Richemont to create a jewellery and watch company. The joint venture - Polo Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewellery Co. S.A.R.L. - will be based in Switzerland, where it will design, make and distribute luxury watches and jewellery. Starting prices for watches will be $US3,000 ($A3,835) and the watches will debut instore in autumn 2008.
Fortnum expansion
LONDON: Luxury department store Fortnum & Mason is reinvigorating its fashion floors amid plans to introduce a new perfumery and accessories department. The refurbishment, set to open early May, will see the department brimming with new and exclusive lines to complement time-honoured favourites, Lulu Guinness, Philip Treacy, Wilbur & Gussie and J & M Davidson. Contemporary designers such as Nathalie Costes Sarah Ross, Lalique and Jewellery by Divine will also be introduced as part of the new look line up.