Kiwi designer in fabric dispute

NEW ZEALAND: Trelise Cooper has been ordered to pay nearly NZ$200,000 (around A$160,000) to an aggrieved former supplier. The renowned Kiwi fashion designer - who operates seven stores including two outlet shops across Australasia, as well as a thriving wholesale business - has been given a deadline of August 1 to pay NZ$184,877 to Cooper Watkinson Textiles, a company formerly co-owned by her husband Jack Cooper.

According to reports in New Zealand newspaper The Herald on Sunday, the dispute arose over fabric supplied by Cooper Watkinson to Trelise Cooper, who claimed it was "shoddy" and inappropriate for the garments that had been produced.

However New Zealand's High Court claimed while the fabric may have been unsuitable it was "not arguable that the fabric was of unmerchantable quality".

The High Court issued a judgment warning that if Cooper did not pay by August 1, the firm could apply to put Trelise Cooper Ltd into liquidation.

It is understood Cooper has filed a counter-claim for NZ$293,000 and intends to file an appeal against the High Court judgment this week (beginning June 30).