Vic convention follows fashion

MELBOURNE: A new fashion focus for The Society of Dyers and Colourists of Australia and New Zealand (SDCANZ) is undoubtedly a sign of the times.

SDCANZ was once firmly aligned to the textile manufacturing industry but the 2007 edition of its triennial international symposium - to be held in the Victorian capital from October 17 to 19 with the theme 'Textiles, fashion, colour' - marked a change of direction, said SDCANZ committee chair Henry Orlinski.

"This year we'll be focusing on fashion; for example we'll be giving students from leading educational institutions a chance to showcase their work, with prizes including the opportunity to participate in the Spring Racing Carnival's Fashions on the Field contest," Orlinski said.

Students' work would be displayed as part of an exhibition focusing on the integration of dyeing and printing finishes, highlighting the importance of innovation and creativity in Australian business, he claimed, adding the fashion angle reflected the changing nature of the Australian industry.

"The textile industry is now a shrinking market so we need to move with the times. As a result our speakers this year will have a strong fashion focus and look set to include Sharon Rae from [trend forecaster] Fashion Forecast Services, Abigail Petit from UK ethical clothing label Gossypium and Country Road general manager sourcing Elizabeth Parks."

Leading textile design print studio specialist Longina Phillips would also be a key fashion draw card at the event, while the range of topics covered by both international guest speakers and Australian industry experts was designed to cover a broad spectrum of industry topics including fashion.

Subjects for discussion would include the use of nano layer technology in dye applications, the latest body scanning and digital distribution processes and current education and research programs. Orlinkski said other topics of interest would include combining fashion with functionality; colour management in the supply chain; international reporting for colour and trend services to the fashion and associated industries; fashion retail and technically innovative and design focused digital printing. 

By Belinda Smart