Business

Fashion for hire 

The Australian retail landscape has changed in the post-GFC environment, But what about the fashion recruitment sector? Daniela Aroche investigates.

BRISBANE: Australian retailers will be the first recipients of two new product categories from UK brand Curvy Kate, thanks to the efforts of the brand's local distributor.

MELBOURNE: The local licensees for Fred Perry will prioritise department store growth and a public relations campaign in the coming months following the opening the brand's first Australian store last month.

SYDNEY: An established wholesaler in the local music trade has made its first foray into fashion distribution, taking on the Australian licence for a label already available in no less than 44 countries.

Karen Walker has retail stores and ready-to-wear clients stretched from Paris to London to New York. But like a recent wave of Australian and New Zealand designers, she’s dipping her toes in the arts. By Erin O'Loughlin.

Local brand management company True Alliance has taken over the Australian operations of luxury US-based accessories label Coach, after signing an exclusive distribution agreement.

Closer to home

Local designers are now preparing to put their rosemount Australian Fashion Week orders into production. IBISWorld analyst Cathy Hewish looks at how local womenswear manufacturers are still struggling despite the demand.

Music and fashion collide in new designer boutique ‘For Artists Only’, as Monique Friedlander reports. 

The collaborative shoe collection by local footwear label Tom Gunn and Australian designer Gary Bigeni will soon be sold at selected retailers, following its debut at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW).

The great debate

Fashion retailers have been up in arms over a GST loophole on clothing imports under $1000. Kate McDonald discovers a niche clothing provider is facing a similar, if not more serious, tax hurdle.

After nine years spent getting her eponymous label off the ground, Valerie Tolosa has taken on a second challenge. 

Metalicus makeover

MELBOURNE: Womenswear label Metalicus is headed for expansion and an overall refresh, with a batch of new-look stores to open within the next few months.

Noosa, the star of the Sunshine Coast, is quickly adding international brands to its once local retail scene. Tim Hamilton, principal of Pandanus Property Solutions, explores the key shopping strip of Hastings Street.

NATIONAL: Gap Inc.’s local licensee has confirmed Australians will very likely see Old Navy stores on local soil once the casualwear brand's recently launched international expansion plan hits full throttle.

Iconic Australian denim label Ksubi is celebrating 11 years in operation this week with the launch of a fresh campaign, a new collection, and plans to expand its retail empire into Victoria.

SYDNEY: Lingerie label La Senza has invested in a marketing campaign to boost brand awareness, ahead of a mass retail rollout.