Web Briefs

Jockey-ing into position
NATIONAL: Underwear brand Jockey has released details of a new global design initiative which will see it roll out concession stores across major Australian department stores. The Pacific Brands-licensed label, which this year celebrates its 132nd birthday, will work collaboratively with Myer and David Jones to roll out the new retail image into their stores from September. The new look will bring Australian stockists in line with Jockey concession stores across Asia, Europe and South America. The news coincides with the announcement that Pacific Brands has extended its licensing agreement with Jockey International until 2018.

Zampatti crowned
SYDNEY: Iconic womenswear designer Carla Zampatti has been crowned the 2008 Australian Fashion Laureate. Designer Akira Isogawa, winner of the inaugural award last year, and New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma presented Zampatti with the official award - a statuette created by jewellery designer Jan Logan. Zampatti is executive chairman of Carla Zampatti Ltd, a retail group with more than 30 boutiques and concept stores throughout Australia, chairman of the SBS Corporation and holds a directorship with the Westfield Group. The designer has been honoured with a number of domestic and international awards for excellence, including a position as Member of the Order of Australia and an honorary title from the Italian Government.

Tee-riffic win
MELBOURNE: Fledging organic clothing company Humanitee has received a $40, 000 shot in the arm. The Melbourne-headquartered brand scored top honours at Vic Pitch 08, a competition aimed at providing development capital to innovative businesses. Humanitee won more than $40,000 worth of prizes including a listing on the Australian Small Scale Offerings Board. The brand was founded by former Rivers marketing manager Peter Abbott and is reportedly associated with Country Road founder Stephen Bennett. Humanitee aimed to generate $50 million in five years and a strong domestic and international wholesale base.

MSFW line up
MELBOURNE: The organisers of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) - scheduled to take place from September 1 to 7 - have announced its 2008 designer line-up. Labels in this year's parades include Anna Thomas, Cohen et Sabine, Fleur Wood, Ginger & Smart, Gorman, Mad Cortes, Gail Sorronda, James Cameron, Jessie Hill, Leopold, Material Byproduct, Life With Bird, Material Boy, Nom D, TV, Therese Rawsthorne, Aurelio Costarella, Jayson Brunsdon, Toni Maticevski, Nevenka, Nicola Finetti and White Suede. MSFW program highlights include Eco Stylin' - a collection of locally made organic product at Melbourne Central shopping centre and the Gorman Organic Ship Shop; made from a used shipping container and constructed from recycled ply.

Seafolly's Polish surf
NATIONAL: Australian swimwear brand Seafolly has entered an unlikely market in its bid to become an export powerhouse. The Sydney-headquartered company, with support from government export agency Austrade, has just broken into Poland with buyers around the country flocking to attend a showcase staged in Warsaw. Seafolly distributor Joanna Ciepiela conducted business-to-business meetings with prospective buyers, showcasing the brand's range of swimwear, resortwear and mix-and-match accessories. The company's export business currently represents 25 per cent of its overall revenue with plans to push this to 50 per cent in coming years.