Fair unveils global game plan
MELBOURNE: Fashion Exposed and co-located fair Preview are no strangers to the cosmopolitan vibe, having previously hosted labels from Brazil, Italy and Belgium.
This year's Melbourne edition of the trade fair and boutique offshoot - scheduled from September 9 to 11 - continues the tradition, with organiser Australian Exhibition and Conferences (AEC) confirming a host of Israeli designers in preview. AEC managing director Marie Kinsella said those headed for a down under liaison include casualwear label Ronen Chen, daywear brand Frau Blau, eveningwear specialist Melange, womenswear label Tali Imbar, bag label Yafit Reklin, jewellery by Nirit Dekel and youth brands Rhus Ovata and Keren Naftali.
"The Israeli designers approached us some years ago, so it's great to host them now; they represent such a diverse range of talent and original creativity," Kinsella said.
Meanwhile, the appointment of former project manager, fashion Sue Dight to the new position of AEC business development manager international reflected the fair's increasingly international positioning.
"A recent decision to allow overseas designers into Fashion Exposed as well as preview means we'll also be seeing a more international flavour in future," Kinsella said.
While describing Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) transeasonal's recent transfer to Sydney as "a huge loss for Melbourne" it did present Fashion Exposed with an opportunity to flourish as a top-tier international event, Kinsella added.
Other AEC fashion appointments include ex-Harris Scarfe buyer Elissa Duke as exhibition sales manager, while Jane Harris has been appointed to the new position of fashion exhibitions director. Harris confirmed she would initially focus on securing sponsorship to support future enhancements.
"In the mean time, features launching this September include visual merchandising area The Salon and the Pantone trend area, featuring presentations from [trend forecasters] Fashion Snoops and Scout. Scout will be launching a casualwear trend forecast for the denim, sports and street markets."
The trend area had a clear commercial goal, she said.
"If buyers can attend seminars to discover what's hot they will be much more confident in their buying decisions, which will be of huge benefit to exhibitors."
Israelis aside, new players this September will also include a mix of Australian and overseas labels; intimate apparel brand Eshi, streetwear label Bisoux Bisoux, tee brand Worn Free, junior brand Tiamo Intimate, childrenswear by Little Tackers, men's shirting label Rock Galleon and womenswear label Blank Canvas.
By Belinda Smart