Style site sets sights on Oz

MELBOURNE: Worldwide online forecasting and trend reporting specialist Stylesight has made its first foray into the Australian market.

The New York headquartered company - which set up Australian offices in South Melbourne last November - is now preparing for a full scale style assault on the Australian market.

Stylesight director client services Australasia Eryn Bowen said the business planned to promote its services to the Australian market over the coming months.

"We also have a strong presence overseas both in terms of advertising and our presence at trade fairs such as Première Vision in Paris, which will help drive business in Australia."

Stylesight - whose main competitor in Australia was forecasting giant Worth Global Style Network (WGSN) - had secured "around 20 clients in Australia and growing", thanks to an offer comprising key points of difference, she said.

"What sets us apart as an online forecaster is the technology behind the site; it's not so much about the information that's in there as what you can do with it. For example an unusual feature is that subscribers can download images to create their own trend boards. Another point of difference is our access to a huge vintage image library garnered through partnerships with international museums. We also have a partnership with social and celebrity image website WireImage.com."

Stylesight's other point of difference lay in its premium quality forecasting, Bowen said.
"We have a team of extremely talented people with vice president of creative services Lan Vu heading up the creative team."

Vu had 20 years of experience in the style industry, and her expertise had been featured in renowned consumer and trade publications, including International Textiles London, Collezioni Trends and Marie Claire Singapore.

"Feedback from clients has shown that they rate our forecasting and reporting offer extremely highly," Bowen said.
Clients were also attracted by the flexibility and competitiveness of Stylesight's subscription packages. She said a full site access package cost $US15,000 ($A16,300) a year, allowing entry by 20 users.

By Belinda Smart