Wills focuses eye

SYDNEY: Randwick-based jewellery maker Samantha Wills has announced plans to extend her branding by releasing a range of eyewear later this year. Wills, whose range is stocked in boutiques and department stores across Australia, the US and Europe, has designed a very fashion forward collection with vintage-inspired frames inspired by her mum. The frames will consist of basic black and tortoise shell with a hunt of cherry and ocean blue fade. It is anticipated the line will be released to buyers in July for an October delivery with retail price points of between $59.95 and $119.95.

DJs openings
NATIONAL: Hot on the heels of its latest opening at Westfield Burwood department store David Jones has confirmed opening dates for its store portfolio roll out. The company said it is on track to open its new Queensland stores on time with the Chermside store expected to throw open its doors in the first week of August and its new QueensPlaza store in February. The store confirmed its new Victorian store, in Westfield's Doncaster centre, is scheduled to open in October next year. For more: davidjones.com.au

A wise move
SYDNEY: Qualified gemologist and jeweller Matthew Wise has opened his first flagship store in Sydney's high-end shopping destination, The Strand Arcade. Specialising in the use of Australian metals and gems, Wise is know for creating handcrafted pieces in silver and gold. The Sydney based designer, who showcased his work at Art Sydney 2006 and Mercedes Australian Fashion Week last year, had been selling his wares at both the Rocks and Paddington markets for over a decade.

Wu wooes again
BRISBANE: Up-and-coming designer George Wu has scored his second coup in as many months. After recently confirming the launch of his womenswear brand into the American market, the Queensland based designer has just revealed details of a new, high-profile account in Australia. Impressed by the craftsmanship of his spring/summer 2007/08 collection - which was showcased at the recent Rosemount Australian Fashion Week - fashion powerhouse Belinda Seper has.