David Jones delivers

Cherry blossoms, graphic laden video postcards of Mount Fuji and faux snow helped bring a touch of Asia to Sydney's Royal Hall of Industries last week.

Selected as the stage for David Jones' national autumn/winter 2008 collections launch, the venue was transformed into a tiny Tokyo in a nod to the event's recurring theme "A Japanese story".

Fresh from presenting at New York Fashion Week Sass & Bide was afforded opening honours with a micro dress worn by DJs ambassador Megan Gale in what is to be her second-to-last appearance for the brand.

A one-off hot pink strapless gowns by Sydney favourite Akira Isogawa closed the show while other collections showcased during the night included Arthur Galan, Alannah Hill, Alex Perry, Alice McCall, Anna Thomas, Calibre and Collette Dinnigan. Easton Pearson, Fleur Wood, George Gross, Ginger & Smart, Kirrily Johnston, Lisa Ho, Morrissey, Sabatini, Sally Smith, Scanlan & Theodore, Simona, Trelise Cooper, Thurley, Willow and Zimmermann were also included in the heavy-weight line-up.

David Jones group general manager of apparel, cosmetics, footwear and accessories said the 2008 autumn/winter period was a "wonderful season to invest in".

"It offers pieces you will have in your wardrobe forever. We have cherry-picked the best from trends such as practical utilitywear, art noveau-inspired prints [and] 1920s and 1940s glamour and the result is an enormous diversity of silhouettes and styles."

Garnsey sited wide legged tweed trousers, knitted coats, strippy tops, geometric print dresses, embellished military coats and satin hoodies as her key pieces with grey the colour of the season.

The national launch will be replicated more than 55 times in all major capital cities across Australia with the last of these in Brisbane on March 15.

By Tracey McEldowney