Myer's Winter Reprise

What does a long celebrated artistic tradition have to do with a fashion parade? That was the question many A-list guests were asking as they were ushered into the Art Gallery of New South Wales for Myer's winter 2007 launch this month.
Timed to coincide with the opening of The Archibald Prize in Sydney, some were wondering whether it had something to do with Myer's rebellion against the "middle-market retailer" tag. One thing was for certain - there wasn't a generic label in sight.
Highly stylised creations from the likes of Leona Edmiston, Wayne Cooper, Viktor & Rolf, Donna Karan and Toni Maticevski took to a metallic runway while a Camilla and Marc clad Jennifer Hawkins hosted proceedings. Although the show offered a mixed blend of tailored suiting, micro dresses and hints of last season's soft Victoriana theme, key colours to emerge included black, grey and white.
For his part, Myer CEO Bernie Brookes said the emphasis on styling served to cement Myer as a true "fashion branded department" store - a comment at odds with recent reports that Australia's infamous store wars have finally come to an end.