Briefs
Browse before you buy
NATIONAL: A new online fashion browsing facility has launched, claiming to fight the green fight by dramatically reducing demand for paper catalogues. stylehunter.com will allow both industry and consumers to browse the latest offerings from well-known designers, with the inaugural edition, launched late last month, featuring ranges from Yeojin Bae, Gorman, Tim O'Connor, Indigo, Kookai, Just Jeans, Sportsgirl and Tony Bianco. With some households receiving an estimated 40 kg of paper catalogues a year - many of them fashion related - the site aimed to reduce dependence on printed material, said stylehunter.com brand manager Kate Vandermeer. She said it was also the only online fashion "window-shopping" facility to feature complete ranges as well as in-depth styling tips.
Ahoy there!
HAMILTON ISLAND: Marine lifestyle brand Henri Lloyd has unveiled its latest concept store on Hamilton Island. The store, which was launched during the brand's co-sponsored Audi: Hamilton Island Race Week, features signature white washed wood panelled walls, thick walnut stained bench tops and change rooms with rustic porthole windows. Highlights from the store's debut collection – which will stock both the Henri Lloyd Marine and spring/summer components – include red, white, navy, mint, blossom and vanilla separates for men and women.
Tasty footwear
NATIONAL: Sporting legend Puma has introduced a new basket ball shoe to its Mongolian BBQ "cook it yourself" shoe customization program. Launched in 2005, the program has evolved since conception to feature the introduction of new materials, colours and textures every six months. The latest "Basket" silhouette – featuring new materials including herringbone and fur -- drops into selected sports and street fashion stores this month with a retail price of $200. For more: puma.com
Pop-up menswear
MELBOURNE: Menswear retailer Mitchell McCabe has opened a Pop Up store in the city's CBD. Located off Collins Street at Carson Place, a stone's throw from the entrance to David Jones' menswear department, the 28 metre square mini-retailer will stock a selection of ties from Altea, Carnaval De Venise, Kenzo and Visconti, cufflinks from Carlo Visconti, Georgio Rossini and Visconti, socks from Pantherella, Richard James and Visconti, as well as a selection of Brooksfield Shirts, Dosh and J.Fold wallets and Kangol hats. Open from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday the pop-up will continue trading for an undisclosed period.For more: mitchellmccabe.com.au
Australian designer shines
SYDNEY:University of Technology Sydney graduate Rachael Cassar has won the prestigious International Mittelmoda Fashion Competition for emerging designers. After receiving 800 entries worldwide and selecting 28 finalists, a judging panel of thirty industry representatives then awarded top honours to the talented Australian designer. Cassar received €10,000 (AU $16,182.70) for her collection of eveningwear which featured crochet work, feathers, sequins and crystal accents. Prior to her September win, Cassar was also took out the Media Choice award in the 2006 Lancome Colour Design Competition in Sydney. For more: rachaelcassar.com
Pandering to Pandora
SYDNEY:Danish jewelry brand Pandora has opened its first Australian flagship store at shopping complex Queen Victoria Building. The new store features over 600 pieces including individual designs and matching collections of rings, necklaces, earrings and broaches set in sterling silver or 14 carat gold. Representatives for the brand said a wide selection of beads would also allow consumers to create their own signature jewelry collections.
Stitch in time
SYDNEY: The hands which embroidered couture garments for Princess Diana, the Queen and other members of the British Royal Family will touch down in Australia later this year. London-based embroidering company Hand & Lock will host its major international conference at the Powerhouse Museum on November 5 along with an awards presentation and exhibition from the 15th. The conference, dubbed Embroidering…the future, will include presentations from Victoria & Albert Museum, Royal School of Needlework, London College of Fashion as well as artists and scholars from the UK and Australia. Accompanying the conference will be a small exhibition of couture beadwork featuring vintage and contemporary embroidery samples, including those by Catherine Walker for Princess Diana and Lady Helen Windsor. Capping off the November blitz will be an awards presentation by Hand & Lock, which will present its $10 000 international embroidery prize. For more: 9743 2501
WA talent unveils
PERTH: Western Australia's latest crop of design talent is preparing to showcase debut collections at the West Australian Institute of Fashion and Textiles (WAIFT) 2007 Fashion Show. Scheduled to take place on November 20 at The Astral at Burswood Entertainment Complex, the fashion show is responsible for launching the careers of WAIFT graduates including Christine Tang of Story by Tang, Amanda McKenna of Mandi Mac and Sonia & Silvana of Su Design. Leading fashion labels including Max Mara, Ralph Lauren, Fila, Daneechi, Su Design, Ray Costerella, Scanlan & Theodore and Megan Salmon also employ past WAIFT graduates. Students are required to design and manufacture a final collection including three ready-to-wear outfits, and three couture designs for the show, with spectators comprising more than 800 fashion buyers, prospective employers, government representatives and media. For more: Coral Amiss on 9267 7200.