Briefs

Designers wanted
NATIONAL: Arena TV has launched a call for entry for designers interested in appearing in the Australian version of US based fashion reality show Project Runway. While few details are available, the US series sees 12 designers pitted against each other in a bid to compete at Olympus New York Fashion Week and the chance to win $100,000 to set up their own label. The local competition is open to all designers however contestants must be legal Australian residents and at least 18-years-old. The shooting of the program is expected to be done in three stages with initial stage lasting approximately five weeks and shot in Melbourne or Sydney. While the full judging panel has yet to be confirmed it is understood TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio head Nicholas Huxley is among those being considered. Applications close March 9. For more: arenatv.com.au

Courses on offer
NATIONAL: RMIT University's School of Fashion and Textiles has introduced a number of short course and enterprise training programs into its 2008 curriculum. New workshop programs have been added to the suite of short courses to be conducted with courses on global production management, global quality management, leading and managing new product development and garment technology among those on offer. Others have been specifically developed to cater for companies and enterprises engaged in off-shore procurement and manufacturing. For more: rmit.edu.au/fashionandtextiles/shortcourse

Under cover
SYDNEY: Former fashion recruiter Sue Di Chio has decided the grass is definitely greener on the other side of the sand. With a background in marketing and specialised recruitment for brands including Collette Dinnigan, Zimmermann, Tigerlily, Lisa Ho and Hussy, Di Chio has launched a new fashion umbrella brand. The fashionable range has a 25 SOPF rating and a special 360 degree rotating tilt, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia. The range, which will be stocked in David Jones, is the first items released under the label with 2009 likely to see the additional of other beach accessories including towels and chairs.

Commonsense win
Mass market apparel brand Rivers has had complaints against it dismissed by the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB). The moves follow complaints to the ASB about television and outdoor advertising campaigns created to promote the brand's Christmas sale that some described as "implying that men were like dogs". Text accompanying the print advertisement stated: "You have spent years training him but he still wears that ratty old shirt and those daggy pants. Once again it's Christmas. You get to re-outfit him and call them presents." The board found the advertisement did not discriminate or vilify men and therefore did not breach the Advertiser Code of Ethics.

Vests needed
MELBOURNE: The Department of Defence is calling for tenders to supply more than 14,000 vests to defence personnel. Under the requirements the successful tender will need to produce 14,850 high visibility vests in sizes small to XX large to assist the safety of Australian Defence Force personnel working in hazardous surroundings. The contract is on the basis of a two year standing offer with an option for three by 12-month extensions. Applications close March 4. For more: 03 9282 3827.