News Briefs
SYDNEY: Rosebery-headquartered distribution company Sporte Leisure has acquired the Australasian rights to the Greg Norman Collection across Australasia and the Pacific Islands. Incumbent distributor True Alliance will provide a member of staff to work with Sporte Leisure to help smooth the transition for the golf apparel brand. The deal came into affect on March 1. For more: 02 9667 5747.
A soft launch
SYDNEY: The self-proclaimed "king of cashmere" Brunello Cucinelli is set to unveil his first Australian flagship store in coming months. Based in the fourteenth century village of Solomeo in Perugia, the designer launched his first collection in 1978 and has since gone on to open stores in Paris, New York, London, Milan, Capri and Cannes with stockists now including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods. The Woollahra boutique in Sydney will offer pieces in cashmere, linen, cotton and cotton/cashmere blends for both men and women.
Cameron fights back
MELBOURNE: Only two months after thieves raided his Oliver Lane flagship boutique, Australian designer James Cameron has thrown open the doors to his business once again. Initially planning to launch the store in early February, Cameron was delayed following the theft of $20,000 worth of apparel including his autumn/winter collection and samples from the spring/summer range. The intimate launch included members of the media, Cameron's team and a host of friends and colleagues.
New Body
NATIONAL: Leisurewear brand Body will shape up its image for autumn/winter 2007. As part of a fresh marketing initiative, the nine-year-old brand has employed Australian actress Sybilla Budd as the face of its latest collection and rebranded into 'Body by Dainy Sawatsky'. Founded by former New York ballet dancer Sawatsky, the brand specialises in easy-to-wear apparel made from natural fibres and fabrics. The label's current collection, dubbed Polka, is inspired by folklore imagery with four mini ranges including 'Valentine', 'Babushka', 'Highland fling' and 'La Boheme'.
Sheepish donation
NATIONAL: Australian sheepskin manufacturer Emu has announced that its 'Boots for a Cure' campaign will run again during Mothers Day 2007. The brand, which raised $25 000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation last year, will donate all profits earned from the sale of its 'Travel Slipper' to the Foundation. The slippers, retailing at $24.95, will be sold through all major retail outlets leading up to Mothers Day on May 13.