Hartmann launches a strict silhouette for winter

SYDNEY:Australian fashion retailers are about to get a taste of German engineering.

Sydney-based designer Annette Hartmann - who trained as a patternmaker, designer and master dressmaker in Germany - has just launched her first womenswear collection for local boutiques and retail stores.

The designer has spent sixteen years training and working alongside European fashion houses and said she felt it was time to branch out on her own.

"My focus is on quality, tailor-like finishes," she explained. "My clothing centres on timeless pieces with unique cuts and lines and I want to create beautiful garments that people wear for years to come. I try to design individual pieces for all ages."

Hartmann's autumn/winter 2008 capsule collection will retail from $80 to $100 and include classic garments in Dupioni silk, cotton blends, sheer fabrications and 100% German merino wool felt. The exclusive range, which is designed, produced and sampled by Hartmann, will be available in cobalt blue hues, metallic golds, reds and yellows.

"Although the designs are fairly minimalist, the colours are bright along with the neutrals," Hartmann said. "I am not afraid to try new designs with new methods of stitching and folds. I was inspired by the navy so a few of my pieces have a bit of military influence."

Hartmann said the collection, currently being sold to retailers in metro Sydney and Melbourne, would be ready to hit stores as early as February 2008. She said she hoped to attract regional retailers in the near future and later expand her wholesale base to Asia and Germany. 

"Preferably, I would like to see my range available in outlets which appreciate quality and unique designs. Their customers would be confident dresses with a sassy sense of style – definitely for those who want to try new styles yet look elegant and not overdressed."

By Assia Benmedjdoub