Briefs
Kaftans with a scent
SYDNEY:Another day, another designer collaboration. Sydney-based kaftan queen Camilla Franks has partnered with beauty brand Elizabeth Arden for a collection based around its new fragrance, Mediterranean. Taking inspiration from hotspots such as Positano, Monaco, Antibe and the Santorini Skies, Franks has created a capsule range of kaftans which feature beaded details and exotic prints on chiffon, silk and satin. The collection, to be sold alongside her Mosaic offering for spring/summer 2007/08, will be available from department store David Jones and select, high-end boutiques throughout Australia.
Luxe online
MELBOURNE: Luxe Accessories has transformed its website into an online retail facility. From this month the site - located at luxeaccessories.com - will allow consumers to purchase from the current season collection and sign up for the label's loyalty program as well as viewing catwalk images and keeping updated on Luxe sales updates.
Sweeney's success
WELLINGTON: High-end New Zealand fashion designer Deborah Sweeney has added Japan to the burgeoning list of global cities in which her brand is now sold. The move, which coincides with the appointment of new agent Showroom Theater 194, comes less than 12 months after Sweeney picked up the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Export Award at Air New Zealand Fashion Week last year. Sweeney's collections are already stocked in numerous boutiques around the world including the UK, Denmark, the US and Australia. For more: deborahsweeney.com
Charitable club
NATIONAL: International Fashion house Club 21 has put its money where its mouth is by releasing 35 signed and one-of-a-kind garments to be sold for charity. The garments, which come from club's stable of "designer friends and associates" include pieces from Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, Paul Smith and Marc Jacobs, will be offered on eBay for bidding from October 18 to November 4. The house's global offices, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, UK, the US and Australia - have each selected a not-for-profit organisation to support for the year with environmental protection agency Wildlife Warriors Worldwide being Australia's chosen charity. For more: club21global.com
A fair go
SYDNEY:A group of industry campaigners have literally worn their hearts and minds on their sleeves. President of the ACTU Sharan Burrow, executive director of the Australian Conservation Foundation Don Henry and U.S Director for Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch Lori Wallach were among six delegates to model Fair Wear shirts during a media conference late last month. Geared as a challenge for APEC to commit to fair labour conditions in Australia and the Asia Pacific region, the conference was staged at Unions NSW, Atrium of Trades Hall. The shirts, designed and made by clothing outworker Karen Huynh, were produced under fair labour conditions and featured an Aboriginal design in traditional colours. For more: aftinet.org.au
Ring Ring of success
MELBOURNE:Just months after the highly-publicised launch of its organic womenswear range, designer label Gorman has taken out a category in the Telstra Victorian Business Awards. Gorman Industries received the MYOB Business Award for businesses with more than five employees but less than or equal to 20 employees at a gala dinner presentation late last month. Established in Melbourne in 1999 by designer Lisa Gorman, the business currently employs 20 staff and has three Melbourne-based flagship stores with plans to open another 12 retail stores nationally.
A royal summer
SYDNEY:The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) has hit the road as part of its new spring/summer advertising campaign. Enlisting the help of advertising agency DDB, the Sydney shopping destination has released a series of three poster images splashed across 200 buses in Sydney. Featuring a store mannequin that comes to life under the summer sun, the advertisement includes a selection of outfits from QVB retailers including Charlie Brown, Exile, Country Road and Bally.
Scout goes to Paris
SYDNEY:Australian trend forecasting agency Scout is set to descend on the city of love. In a bid to grow its international client base, the agency will take part in Paris's Premier Vision trade fair from September 18 to 21. Scout will preview its colour and trend report for spring/summer 2009 as well as launch a new unisex casualwear trend book.
All Ladylike
MELBOURNE: Womenswear label Lady - the creation of Petrova Hammond and Skye-Leigh Vallve - has opened a retail store a stone’s throw from the growing fashion mecca of High Street Armadale. Situated at Shop 8 Kings Arcade off High Street, the store represents the emerging label’s first foray into retail, stocking its full range of edgy young women’s fashion.
Jewel of Sydney
SYDNEY:High-end jewellery brand Fabergé has opened its first ever showroom in Sydney. Located in the MLC Chamber Building, the showroom, along with a seperate workshop and office space totalling 550sqm, officially swung open its doors on September 3.