NATIONAL: A group of high-profile designers have proved that beer isn't the only point of camaraderie between Australians and their Irish counterparts.
Upmarket department store Brown Thomas last week unveiled several new Australian labels to be showcased at its retail sites across Ireland.
In what has been dubbed a "coup" for Australian fashion, the company, which boasts an annual turnover of $548 million, will stock Josh Goot, Tina Kalivas, Kirrily Johnston, Mad Cortes, State of Georgia, Lisa Ho, Shakuhachi, Alice McCall and 18th Amendment over the spring/summer season.
Group buyer for Brown Thomas Karen Higgins said the move represented Australia's growing position as the "next great untapped market for new looks".
"We sourced these designers at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney earlier this year and have also learned a lot about emerging design talent at the 'Australian Style' events organised by Austrade in London in recent years."
Higgins' comments follow news that Australia has topped the FutureBrand poll as the leading 'country brand in the world'. Austrade chief economist Tim Harcourt said with Ireland's growing economy, Australia's 600 strong exporters were set for even greener pastures.
"Indeed, the 'Celtic Tiger' is still burning bright, after a decade of exceptional economic performance - with a 7 per cent plus average annual growth rate - and with a young, increasingly wealthy population, there will be plenty of opportunities."