MELBOURNE: Local label Coquette Red has made its first foray into the export market by launching into New Zealand. The Melbourne-based brand - which specialises in "reasonably priced" handbags under $250 as well as a jewellery line - has sealed a deal with Dunedin department store Arthur Barnett and lifestyle chain Redcurrent, which operates nine stores across New Zealand.
Coquette Red chief operating officer Phil Hayes-Brown said the move followed a "fantastic" market response to the company's indent program, launched in March.
"By August our distribution will have expanded to 150 doors across Australasia, including 10 in New Zealand, which is a 50 per cent expansion in the last 12 months."
The trans-Tasman expansion would see Coquette Red designer Marita Hayes-Brown introduce several new styles to the jewellery range, while the label had also boosted exposure of its jewellery collection through a collaboration with Channel 10 co-anchor Helen Kapalos.
"We first reached out to Helen because we felt she was a great fit with our brand. Our designs in both bags and jewellery have a unique, contemporary edge that is classic rather than trendy, which is why we thought Helen was an excellent match. In addition to her nightly news appearances, Helen is very busy off air with numerous events so it’s wonderful to have her wearing our range."
Marita Hayes-Brown first began designing Coquette Red in Hong Kong in 2002, under its previous brand name, Coquette Hong Kong. Following its success she returned to Australia and continued the business in 2007, renaming the label Coquette Red.
Hayes-Brown said further international expansion was on the cards over the long term, with potential export markets to include the US.