SYDNEY: Government export body Austrade has teamed with fashion week organiser IMG Fashion to drive overseas attendance at the industry event.
More than 100 international buyers are expected to attend Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) which will run from April 28 to May 2 2008.
Lured by Australia's growing reputation for unique but practical ready to wear designs, buyers will include representatives from top fashion houses in the US, UK, Canada, Italy, Singapore, Ireland, UAE, Japan, Hong Kong, China and New Zealand. Indonesia will comprise the largest delegation with buyers from well known retail brands Velvet, Fj'L and Funky Princess.
Austrade worked throughout the year to raise the profile and image of Australian brands and collaborated closely with buyers to highlight the quality, creativity and innovation of the Australian fashion industry, an Austrade spokesperson said.
Fashion exports were worth approximately $240 million annually to the Australian economy and RAFW continued to make an important contribution to these.
Participating designers at RAFW who had worked with Austrade included Kirrily Johnston, Melanie Cutfield, Silence is Golden and Sass & Bide.
Overseas buyers relied on Austrade's extensive industry networks both in Australia and abroad, while the body also partnered with influential and key media and industry players on the ground in target export markets, in order to promote Australian fashion expertise and events.