Briefs

Plus size offering
MELBOURNE: Victorian plus size retailer Dream Diva has launched an online store. The Richmond-based company, which specialises in carrying clothing for women sized between 14 and 24, launched its website on September 10 featuring its own self-titled label. The label will be positioned alongside other Australian plus size brands including Maggie T, City Chic, Taking Shape, Basque Woman, Embody Denim, BeMe for Rockmans, Sara, Autograph and Free People. For more: 1300 557 391

Marina moves
GOLD COAST: Marina Mirage in the Gold Coast has announced two new staff members to head the shopping centre's $300 million redevelopment. The group has appointed Dean Baker to the role of centre manager while Mark Selvey has been named operations manager. Formerly with Queensland Investment Corporation Baker has spent 14 years in similar roles while Selvey has experience in facilities management. The first stage of the redevelopment is due for completion early November with a new retail precinct housing 20 additional retail stores. Stores already in the centre include Hermes and Carla Zampatti.

Torstar win
SYDNEY: Public relations agency Torstar Communications has just won the Kookai PR account after a competitive pitch. It will be responsible for repositioning the brand within the Australian market and the launch of a new Paddington concept store due to open next month. The agency currently represents a range of fashion clients including Alex Perry, Jayson Brunsdon, Leona Edmiston, Rose and Ruby, Melanie Cutfield, sass and bide, nevenka, Pacific Brands Hosiery, Fossil Group Australia, Fayreform for Bendon and Seafolly. It responsible for the successful launch of Myer spring/summer 2009 collection in Sydney late last month, having retained the business after winning a competitive pitch earlier this year. The agency is also championing the launch of Leona Edmiston's UK flagship store due to open late October.

Dot and beyond
MELBOURNE: Dorothy & Evelyn has taken its proposal for a online vintage store out into the real world. The store, founded by buyer Rebecca Post, has opened a flagship outlet in Melbourne's St Kilda to complement the store's continually growing range. Other labels to be stocked by the Barkly Street boutique include Indigo, Olga Berg, Franka, Minty Meets Munt, Run Wild Horses, State of Georgia and Ebony Eve. For more: 03 9804 1011.

Tyre check
NATIONAL: Tyre manufacturer Michelin has partnered with sportswear brand Everlast to develop a technologically shoe which claims to help its wearers "keep their footing". Constructed from leather and featuring breathable mesh panels, the lightweight shoe features a unique tread design that prevents slippage on wet surfaces. Available in two styles, high or low, the range will be sold through Rebel Sport, Sportsco, Sportspower and The Team stores. Retail price points vary from $170 to $190. For more: 03 9254 3515.

Betty's delight
SYDNEY: Victorian headquartered label Luxe Accessories has moved its public relations base to New South Wales. Having worked with Port Melbourne-based PR firm Miss Splendid for more than two years, the company will now use Sydney-based Sweaty Betty PR for all its promotional activities. The win capped off a big few weeks for the firm who has also signed King Gee, Retailer Wanted Shoe Co, Effigy:49 and T-shirt brand Worn By. Sweaty Betty's other fashion clients include Mooks, Stussy, Mink Pink, Mavi and Kenzo. For more: 02 8399 3599.

Home and Away
NATIONAL:Australian-born fashion designer Megan Park has announced the national launch of her new homewares collection. The collection is set to compliment Park's whimsical womenswear, accessory and childrenswear lines with her signature embroidery and detailing featuring on throws, wraps, blankets and cushions. Available at Space (QLD, NSW), Husk (VIC), Safari (VIC), Arida (NSW), The Society Inc (NSW) and Pond (NSW), the debut range will come in a palette of mustards, jades, cherry, pebble, cocoa, cream and charcoal. Wraps and throws are manufactured from fine wools while cushions feature duck feather down fillings. Both are handworked with individually adorned sequins, mother of pearl, bone, shell, glass beads and metallic disks along with metallic thread fringing.

Greensmith honoured
PERTH: Melanie Greensmith, the director and head designer of womenswear label Wheels and Dollbaby has been inducted into the Western Australian Fashion Walk of Fame. The ceremony, held on the first day of the 2008 Perth Fashion Festival, saw a commemorative plaque in Greensmith's name unveiled on Perth's King Street fashion precinct - ironically just a few doors down from where the brand recently opened a store. Previous recipients include Ruth Tarvydas, Wendy Marshall, Liz Davenport and Stephanie Quinlan.

Choo to Chadstone
MELBOURNE: Luxury accessories chain Jimmy Choo is heading to Melbourne. The news, which follows the opening of its first Australian boutique in Sydney in January, will see the brand open a stand-alone boutique in Chadstone Shopping Centre. The store will be managed by Valiram Group, which also operates the Sydney store and others in Singapore and Malaysia. Chadstone was recently named Australia's best performing shopping centre by industry magazine Shopping Centre News in its annual 2008 'Big Guns' survey.

Linking the chain
NATIONAL: The chairman of the Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Association has put out a call for expressions of interest from those interested in contributing to a fashion industry supply chain special interest group. David Doherty said turbulent business and economic conditions, and rapid globalisation of supply chains and technology developments meant many Australian TCF wholesalers and retailers were failing to compete on a level playing field. Those interested in contributing to the group or learning more about supply chain efficiencies should contact Doherty at ceo@sclaa.com.au