Briefs
World Tour
NATIONAL:The 2008 Westfield World Retail Tour has added a luxury shopping destination to its itinerary. Departing Sydney on May 2, the sixteen day tour will cover Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, London, Hong Kong and for the first time since its inception, Dubai. The emirate of Dubai, with its open port and low import duties, is fast becoming a global retail powerhouse and includes top class department stores, boutiques, malls and plazas. Presentations, store visits and retail briefings are all part of the international offering with Australian executives and industry delegates all encouraged to attend. For more, contact Karen Ashton on 02 9358 7685.
Sussan gets exclusive
NATIONAL:Australian womenswear chain Sussan has jumped onboard the capsule collection train. As part of its spring/summer 2007/08 offering, the retailer has released a limited-edition range dubbed the 'Signature Collection'. Comprising of ten pieces in total, the collection features a range of dresses and separates, including vibrantly printed maxi and swing shift frocks in premium fabrications. Targeted at women 30+, Sussan offers day and evening wear, sleepwear, loungewear and accessories and has stores throughout Australia and New Zealand
Banks races to Oz
MELBOURNE: UK fashion designer Jeff Banks is to visit the Victorian capital as a special guest of the 2007 Spring Racing Carnival. Internationally recognised for a distinctive British tailoring style, Banks' self-named collection of men’s suits, shirts, ties and accessories has proven a strong seller following its recent launch in Australia through Myer department stores. The designer will be in Melbourne from November 1 to 7, where - well as judging Fashions on the Field at the Spring Racing Carnival - it is believed he will pursue growth opportunities for his label.
For more: michelle@hhme.com.au
Smart money
NATIONAL: Research body CSIRO has received $4.4 million dollars in government funding to develop smart clothing with potential defence applications. CSIRO's Flexible Integrated Energy Device (FIED) was selected as part of the latest round of Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program funding announced on October 17. The device could be incorporated into clothing to power soldiers’ electronic equipment and had the potential to store and provide energy for long periods, confirmed Dr Adam Best, principal research scientist with CSIRO’s Energy Technology Division. "This kind of technology has important applications for soldiers in the field and could mean they no longer need to carry heavy batteries," he said.
Closet opens
MELBOURNE: Quirky womenswear label Chitra's Closet has opened a new retail outlet on the up and coming fashion strip of Sydney Road, Brunswick. Created by Thai national and former advertising executive Chitra Mangma, the label that caused a stir at the New Generation Group Show of Melbourne Australian Fashion Week in 2007, will use its new home to air a spring summer range themed "Fairytales and Paper Dolls". The collection features an assortment of floral-print dresses, knits and seperates in blue, purple, red, black and green hues. Detailing includes embroidered pockets, pleated hems and layered silk ruffles.
OC charity event
MELBOURNE: Designer label Oscar Calvo has unveiled plans to stage a fund raiser for AIDS charity Y.E.A.H (Youth empowerment against HIV/AIDS). Scheduled for November 15, the event will include an Oscar Calvo catwalk show and has been pledged support by sponsors including American Crew, DKNY, Lab Series skincare for men, The Body Shop, Soft Lips, Ristefskymacheda underwear, Coca-Cola and Ed Dixon Food Design. Launched in 2004, Oscar Calvo is an upmarket menswear label which boasts its own flagship boutique in Collingwood and a host of industry awards. Known for creating vintage-inspired shapes in quality European fabrications, the brand has just showcased its limited-edition and exclusive autumn/winter collection. For more: info@oscarcalvo.net
Consulting Hong Kong
SYDNEY:The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is offering a one-on-one business consultation and networking evening for businesses looking to source, sell or manufacture within the region. The consultation session, staged at the Hong Kong House from 2 to 4pm on November 2007, will advise guests on a range of trade-related issues while a cocktail reception, from 4.30 to 6.30pm, will offer guests the opportunity to make business contacts while enjoying some complimentary hospitality. For more, contact yin.robards@tdc.org.hk before November 9.
Golden Cars
SYDNEY:Up-and-coming designer Kelvin Tram has taken the lead of Australia's top industry guns by hosting his first motor show parade. The Silence is Golden designer recently teamed up with Kia for a fashion parade during the Australian International Motor Show. Looking to fuse style with automotive design, the motor show saw labels such as Collette Dinnigan and Zimmermann collaborate with leading car companies for a high-octane fashion gala. The parades were complemented by a spectacle of designer-clad models at various stands throughout the show.