Briefs

Hat here
WAGGA WAGGA: Some of the world's best milliners will again be descending into the country for the second annual International Millinery Forum. Set down for January 17 to 22 January, the event has been extended to six days for next year's program to allow more workshops. Names signed to the 2009 event include Eugenie van Oirschot of The Netherlanda; Hong Kong's Jaycow and Jan Wutkowski from the US and the UK's Ian Bennett. Local talent on show includes Neil Grigg, Waltraud Reiner and Georgina Conheady. For more: internationalmillineryforum.com.au.

Pelaco expansion
MELBOURNE: Multi-faceted apparel brand Pelaco is set to open a new store in Bundoora's Brand Junction development. The store marks the first retail store for the 101-year-old company that also operates a factory outlet in Victoria's Maidstone. Set to open on November 7, Pelaco said the brand's strategic plan included opening several more stores across both Victoria and interstate. For more: pelaco.com.au

Essential Mossee
NATIONAL: The founder of womenswear label Mossee, Maggie Wong, has introduced a new essentials range to complement the label's existing offering. Targeted at women aged between 30 and 60 years, the Essentials range includes basic tanks, cardigans and pants. Touted as being "effortlessly simple", the range is constructed from mirco modal fabric, made from superfine yarns imported directly from Europe. Available in sizes eight to 18, retail price points range from $50 to $150. For more: 0424 664 366.

Harbour explosion
DARWIN: A Harbour Town shopping centre will be built in Darwin, featuring about 120 shops. Valued at around $200 million, the centre will be built on the Stuart Highway next to the current Wow site in Berrimah. Although no announcement has be made about which shops will be at Darwin Harbour Town, apparel brands Nike, Jag, Cue, Sheridan, Esprit, Ralph Lauren and Table Eight feature at other Harbour Town shopping centres. Construction of the new centre is expected to begin in mid 2009, with developers aiming to have shops open in 2010.Harbour Town already has shopping centres in Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast and will soon open a store in Melbourne.

Plus size offering
NATIONAL: UK fashion entrepreneur Lynn Meadows has launched her plus size e-boutique into the Australian market. The site, dubbed PinkMarzipan.com, retails stylish, designer clothing for plus sizes 16 to 26. The site is based on the UK portal that launched last year. Both sites feature global labels such as Baby Phat, Rocawear e.vil, Loungefly, Mighty Fine, Newbreed Girl, PAS, Sound Girl, Chupa Chups and Pop & Pink with PinkMarzipan holding the exclusive rights to retail these designer labels in 16 plus sizes in Australia. Prices start from $6 and shipping is a flat rate and takes four to seven business days.