Briefs
Karl's shades
NATIONAL: A sunglass line from high-end designer Karl Lagerfeld is set to make its Australian debut in May. Dubbed the Karl Lagerfled collection, the 2008/09 eyewear range has been inspired by Lagerfeld's passion for photography and features handmade acetate engraved temples. Colours available include black with a solid grey lens, brown with a solid brown lens and gunmetal with a grey gradient lens. The range will be priced between $230 and $270 and available from selected optometrists. For more: 1800 251 025.
Fair dinner
SYDNEY: Rag trade worker protection group FairWear is staging a dinner and celebrity art auction to raise money for its continued support of outworkers. The group, which aims to improve what it terms the "precarious conditions and low rates of pay that these highly skilled women experience", is staging the dinner on Thursday May 19 at Sydney's Paddington Town Hall. Tickets cost $70 per person and each table is invited to sponsor an outworker to assist them in attending the dinner. For more: 0403 128 013.
Adidas promotes
NATIONAL: Current Adidas Australia and New Zealand managing director Kevin Roberts is set to move to Hong Kong after accepting a new role within the sporting goods group. Roberts has accepted the role of Asia Pacific Sports Performance Division vice president with his new list of responsibilities to include leading and managing the division that generates revenue of $A2.6 billion across the region. He will also support the head of Adidas region Asia Pacific in the process of shaping the vision and strategy for the company's broader Asia Pacific business. Roberts has also been named chairman of Adidas Japan. The new role is effective from August. Roberts will be replaced by current Pacific managing director for Taylor Made Adidas Golf, Greg Kerr.
Milking it
SYDNEY: Two brands distributed by Victorian agency Milk have been accepted into London trade show Pure prompting a repositioning of both labels. The changes will see womenswear label Faye Brown changed to the more easily marketable faye.com.au while the second label, Privilege, will be streamlined and relaunched with new swing tags and labels. It is hoped that by showing at the fair, where the agency will occupy a booth alongside English designers, will help give both brands a foothold into the UK market. The labels are currently stocked by several domestic stores and also sold through boutiques in New Zealand and Denmark. For more: 03 9421 2538.
Loweprow acquires Acme
SYDNEY: Luggage and bag specialist brand Lowepro has acquired specialist accessories brand Acme made for an undisclosed sum. The sale, announced earlier this month, will see both brands retain their names and continue to operate independently. Maxwell International Australia, which has been named the new Australasian distributor of Acme Made said the alignment would help both brands appeal more to the fashion-conscious "discerning female buyer". For more: maxwell.com.au
No more men
SYDNEY: Ready-to-wear label Silence is Golden has wound down its menswear division. The Sydney-based brand, which won the Mercedes-Benz Start Up Award at Australian Fashion Week in 2006 and presented at trade event G'Day USA in January, will no longer produce apparel ranges for men. Founder Kelvin Tam said he wanted to focus on his womenswear collections, with the latest showcased at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week earlier this month. Silence is Golden is stocked in cutting-edge streetwear stores such as Incu in Sydney, Fat in Melbourne and select retailers in London and Indonesia.
Free brief
SYDNEY: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is offering free one-on-one briefings to TCF exporters keen to tap into the Chinese market. The sessions, to be staged on June 4 at Sydney's Hong Kong House, will contain an iverview of the council and its activities, information on Invest Hong Kong and advice on how best to position your brand to secure Hong Kong orders. After an initial fashion industry briefing, HKTDC will then stage one-on-one business consultations. For more: vin.robards@tdc.org.hk.
Bracewell bags
SYDNEY: Following the success of its limited collection of belts, apparel brand Bracewell has now turned its attention to bags. Featuring eight styles - including oversized clutches, jumbo shoulder bags and totes - the range is made from sheep leather and durable canvas. Made from a colour palette of reds, creams, taupes, navy, tan and black, the range also includes extensive detailing through the use of buckles, studs and clasps. For more: 02 9212 4166
Fair redevelopment
GOLD COAST: Pacific Fair is set to become Queensland's biggest shopping centre following approval of a proposed development application by the Gold Coast City Council. Upon completion of the $2.4 billion project, the AMP Capital-owned centre will house 420 retailers and cover 145,000 square metres of retail space. Initial works on the centre are expected to start later this year. Pacific Fair's existing fashion tenants include Supre, Sportsgirl, Suzanne Grae, Maggi T, Kookai, Esprit, Dotti and Ice.
Fashion @ Fed Square
MELBOURNE: Exhibition space Federation Square has announced the line-up of its 'Fashion @ Fed Square' design talent showcase until the end of 2008. On Friday June 20 'Jumping Puddles' will feature a parade of clothing designed for winter warmth, with a strong emphasis on Melbourne's layered and rich colour palette. On September 18 the 'Showboat' parade will invite attendees to 'frock up and head out' with a show featuring ladies' dresses and eventwear and gents' smart apparel in anticipation of the spring racing and Christmas seasons. Finally on November 25 and 26 the 'School's Out - Class of 2008' parade will showcase talent from Melbourne's leading fashion schools, united by a catwalk display of graduating students' best work.