In an Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) special, ragtrader.com.au asks key buyers about trade, trends and what's on their agenda. Next up is David Jones GM of menswear, childrenswear, home and AV Chris Wilson, who reveals his top fashion trends.
What designer collections or product categories are you looking forward to seeing at Australian Fashion Week?
I can’t wait to see David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway on Wednesday night. It is going to be an amazing show highlighting the work of some our very talented Indigenous designers.
I am looking forward to seeing Christian Kimber's show and his interpretation of relaxed luxury and no doubt his use of colour, texture and quality Italian fabrics.
It will also be interesting to see Gary Bigeni and Youkhana and where they see gender neutral fashion trends heading.
What are some of the latest Australian designer brands you currently stock and what are the best performing styles?
We currently stock Australian designed Commas, a relaxed lifestyle collection crafted from Italian fabrics. McIntyre knitwear, Australian, Melbourne based, designed utilising 100% Australian Merino wool.
Looking more broadly at your portfolio of brands, where do you see the main areas of demand and popularity from consumers currently?
As we are transitioning into winter, we are seeing our denim and layering pieces such as knitwear and cold weather accessory categories from all brands lift in demand. Overcoats and jackets peak in May. We are still seeing demand from our customers for event dressing, tuxedos and suits for weddings and special events and the races.
Has the current macroeconomic climate changed how buyers approach sourcing brands?
In menswear, we continue to focus on brands and designers that our customers will see value for money in, buying into collections that have high quality fabrics and craftmanship, investment pieces that will last and become high in their weekly wardrobe rotations.
What do you predict will be the next big fashion trend?
Understated luxury - logos are becoming smaller and more tonal, colour pallets more monochromatic and refined. In Menswear we are seeing an evolution of luxury apparel, where the luxury aspect comes in the form of incredibly high-quality materials, construction, and reputation of the brand.