Briefs

Free export seminar
BRISBANE: Queensland-based fashion brands looking to kick off their export aspirations are being targeted by government trade development organisation Austrade. The federal organisation is staging a free workshop in Brisbane aimed at advising brands on the dos and don't of exporting. Topics covered by the seminar will include finding out whether your brand is export capable, how to become export ready and how to assess the export potential of your product. The three-hour seminar, staged in the Austrade Brisbane office on Queen Street, will be held November 29 from 9.30am. For more: 132 878.

Milliners reprieve
MELBOURNE: A last minute spend-up by Melbourne Cup racegoers helped salvage sales figures for many milliners and fashion retailers. While most attending the Victorian raceday traditionally order garments and hats in August and September, uncertainty about the equine influenza - which had already forced the cancellation of racing carnivals in NSW and Queensland - meant most people put off placing orders until late last month. Milliner Richard Nylon said most milliners were taking 'make hay while the sun shines' approach in the lead-up to last week's event. Last year Victorians spent more than $17 million of fashion for the spring racing carnival.

New bling
SYDNEY: Australian jewellery retailer Hardy Brothers has unveiled its new flagship store in Sydney's central business district. Located along Castlereagh Street, the decadently furnished store stocks a range of Swiss watches, fine giftware and jewellery including diamond rings, opals, 18ct gold accessories, pearls and timepieces. It also offers products exclusive to Hardy Brothers Australia such as diamond rings from I Codici and timepieces from Jacob & Co, Bell & Ross, Graham and Aquanautic.

TAFE floors 'em
SYDNEY: First year students from the TAFE NSW St George College have blitzed a multinational fashion design competition. Erin Grant, Asia Power, Dung Tran and Carolyn Fuss took top honors at the Society of Dyers and Colourists Australia and New Zealand Fashion Design Awards 2007. St George College director Di Craven said of the 25 finalists for the awards, which were announced at the Clariant 18th International Symposium, 19 were from the Sydney institute. Students participating in the competitions were required to design pieces using innovative fashion ideas with practical and commercial production techniques. Their ranges also had to incorporate dying and/or printing ideas that could be recreated into a finished product. Award categories included Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Colourisation and Finish and two encouragement awards.

Mini contribution
SYDNEY: Accessory label Susse Collection has released a limited edition mini-bag to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). Dubbed Cute Hamish, the bag features Susse's signature animal designs in mixed fabrications. The wool blend outer features an intricate suede appliqué, 100 per cent leather trims and a strap that adjusts from wristlet to over the shoulder. Available at susse.com.au, the bag is priced at $86.90 with 10 per cent of sales going towards OCRF.

Fashion exhibition
BRISBANE: Womenswear designers George Wu and Hannah Gartside have been selected to take part in an exhibition that celebrates the future of fashion, design, art and craft. The 2007 Arc Biennial exhibition, titled 'To Be Continued', will be staged at the QUT Art Museum and include the works of 50 artists. Wu's installation will feature a collection inspired by children's book character Madeline while Gartside will exhibit cutting-edge fashions created from scavenged objects. For more: artmuseum.qut.com