Briefs
Get a Gripp
MELBOURNE: Gripp Jeans has released its first autumn/winter collection under the gaze of its new designer Dianne Grgat. The range, in store now, features high-rise silk crinoline skirts, paper bag waists, deconstructed maygar jackets and sheath jersey dresses and body suits. Inspired by the late '80s and early '90s the collection also includes acid house prints, denims and checks. For more: (03) 9419 8487.
Silkbody sass
NEW ZEALAND: Dunedin-based label Silkbody has dramatically increased its presence in the market, launching a new look website and picking up a host of new stockists. The label, already sold in more than 120 stores across new Zealand, Australia and the UK, has picked up a host of new stockists for winter 2008 including McK in Christchurch, Wallis in Auckland and Kirkcaldies and Stains in Wellington. The silkwear label has also updated its website to include a new section with washing and care tips, together with customer testimonials. For more: silkbody.co.nz
Typical success
SYDNEY: Australian womenwear brand Typical Star has announced plans to open two new stores in China. Following on from the success of its 1-Oz-3 store in the Mihang district of Shanghai, the brand will open another two outlets with the flagship store being in Pudong. Targeted at local Chinese and ex-pats, the stores will be Australian lifestyle-based and will combine sales of Aussie coffee, Aussie prestige wines and Typical Star Fashions with food. Having grown its customer base from 200 to 230, the brand had also appointed Launch Fashion Management as its NSW agent to join its roster of agencies.
Thinktank program
SYDNEY: A Sydney-based consultancy firm has created an intensive fashion marketing strategy think tank aimed at helping brands grow their business. Dubbed Fashion Collective, the program offers quarterly catered workshops with other TCF professionals from non-competing spaces to develop marketing strategies, marketing and sales strategy mentoring, a marketing plan template and access to a crisis line for day-to-day sales and marketing issues. Participants may be eligible for NSW Department of State and Regional Development partial scholarships. For more: info@fashionpartners.com.au.
On the move
MELBOURNE: A need for more space has driven national womenswear chain Sportsgirl out of its Church Street, Richmond offices. From last week the brand is now headquartered at 11 Palmer Parade, Richmond. While email addresses for staff remain the same, some phone numbers have changed. For more: (03) 9413 2560.