Briefs
NSW launch
SYDNEY: Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore is today (September 21) expected to launch a new educational initiative focusing on the business side of the fashion industry. The launch, dubbed 'Fashion-forward Friday', will cover topics such as approaching fashion buyers and media, materials sourcing and the transition from a local to a global business. The event, staged at Sydney's MLC Centre will also feature trade programs available through the New South Wales Department of State and Regional Development and trade assistance available through the State Government. For more: 02 9338 6750
Made in China
MELBOURNE: Over 100 textile and clothing suppliers are set to descend on Melbourne for the annual China Clothing and Textiles Expo. Staged at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from November 21 to 23, the exhibition will include key decision markers representing plants, factories and suppliers in fields such as spinning, weaving, knitting, trade marks, textile machinery production, industry associations and manufacturing. Exhibiting companies will include suppliers of machinery, testing equipment and fabrics and fibre specialists.
Dress Ups
SYDNEY: Sydney shopping destination TGV has launched an online service targetted at Generation Y consumers. The service, an interactive wardrobe which seeks to promote the latest seasonal fashions, features a dress-up application designed by digital agency Profero. The website allows users to choose one of three characters - two young females and one male - and style them from a variety of clothing options available from TGV retailers. Items include dresses, jeans, shoes and accessories as well as sunglasses, bags and a digital camera. Once a character has been styled, the outfit can be reviewed on a 'shopping list' icon which displays the price and stockist detail for each piece, emailed to a friend or stored in the online gallery. Developers said the top priority was user-friendliness with clear instructions on the site homepage, easy-to-read tabs and clear graphics.
Woolmark head quits
NATIONAL: Brenda McGahan, executive director of The Woolmark Company, has announced she will be leaving The Woolmark Company at the end of September by mutual agreement. The company declined to comment to Ragtrader on the details of McGahan's departure or the appointment of a successor.
Bonjour Paris
NATIONAL: High-end knitwear Sabatini has clinched a spot at the exclusive Palais de la Bourse fashion show, which takes place in Paris from October 4 to 7. Sabatini - whose White label will join a host of premium fashion identities at the event including Essa and Victoria Beckham - is the only southern hemisphere label to have received the honour in this its fifth year participating in the show. The annual event plays host to leading opinion makers from the fashion, fashion media and retail sectors.
Ties that bind
NATIONAL: Australian neckwear designer Carlo Carli has secured a major department store client for his spring/summer 2007/08 collection. The Italian-born designer, who specialises in the creation of premium ties for men, will have his entire range stocked in select David Jones stores throughout the country from November. Created in collaboration with an Italian tie manufacturer based in Como, the collection is called 'Direct Flight New York - Miami now boarding' and includes printed and matte coloured ties in hues ranging from mint, pink and black. Each tie is handcrafted, manufactured from silk or cotton and lined in signature yellow satin.
Designer swimwear debuts
NATIONAL: Womenswear label Camilla and Marc has ventured into new waters. Following on from the official launch of its swimwear venture earlier this year, the debut range has now hit shelves at department store Myer and specialty stores in Australia. Dubbed Qvisisana, it includes a range of bikinis and full-piece swimsuits in pinks, reds, bronze and teal and with delicate detailing such as bows. Priced from $120 to $190, current stockists for the new line include Parlour X in NSW, Crimson Phoenix in Victoria and Joy Electric in Queensland.
Ottomans that shine
NATIONAL: Turkish-born designer Yeser Ozguney has launched a jewellery line that's close to home. Fashioned from precious and semi-precious stones sourced from Turkey, the first collection includes aquamarines, emeralds, jade, turquoise, rubies, pearls and diamonds. Along with a broad range of necklaces, rings and bracelets, Ozguney has also created engagement rings and will offer bespoke, made-to-order styles. No stranger to the trade, Ozguney has had extensive experience in the European and Eurasian jewellery industry, where she designed, marketed and bought precious stones as well as organising jewellery exhibitions. Her debut range will be available from her namesake store in Neutral Bay.
Incubator win
MELBOURNE: Not for profit organisation Fashion Incubator Melbourne Central has taken out the fashion category in the Victorian Small Business Champion Awards. The win means the incubator, which supports emerging Australian designers, will now go to Sydney to compete in the national finals in late October. The awards seek to recognise the achievements of small businesses in various industries and are an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication required by small business operators to succeed. For more: fashionincubator.com.au
Bursting Robina
GOLD COAST: Robina town centre on Queensland's Gold Coast has set to get a $250 million-plus facelift. Stage one of the project will see an extra 26,000 square metres added to the central business district to help create what its management company is touting as a "leading shopping destination befitting the centre's premium location". The redevelopment will see three new malls linked with the existing food markets and transforming the lake into a entertainment and leisure precinct. The existing centre features the Gold Coast's only David Jones, Target, K-Mart, Woolworths and Coles however the expanded retail mix will offer a space for up to 100 new fashion and specialty retailers.
The entire expansion is scheduled for completion in 2009.