Australian-born fashion brand Country Road is marking its 50th year in business with an archival release, logo change and campaign.
Original pieces from the personal collections of founders Stephen Bennett and Jane Parker can be found on display at the Country Road Chadstone and South Yarra stores throughout February.
Country Road has also created a limited-edition collection of products to be released throughout 2024, with the first arriving in-store and online in March.
"As we celebrate 50 years of Country Road, it's a special occasion for reflection and gratitude,” Country Road managing director Elle Roseby said.
“The past five decades have been a testament to the enduring spirit of our brand, and as we look forward, we are excited to not only continue weaving the essence of Australia into every thread but to also strengthen our bonds within the communities that have been an integral part of our story."
The brand’s latest campaign was shot in Broken Hill on Wilyakali and Barkindji Country. It was lensed by Graham Shearer, an Australian photographer behind the brand’s imagery in the 1980s, alongside photographer Simon Lekias who had captured the brand’s 30th anniversary campaign in Broome.
Key models in the latest campaign include Gemma Ward and her daughter Kirra, Billie-Jean Hamlet, Alex Libby, and Ollie Edwards, alongside Tarlisa Gaykamangu for the first time.
Country Road has also revealed a suite of new logos designed by Australian-based typographer Andrew Woodhead.
“The new logos strike a balance between Country Road’s history and its future,” Woodhead said. “The designs aim to be versatile, living in any moment in time, and serve as a bridge connecting the brand's rich legacy with its evolving journey ahead.”
Country Road was founded as a niche women's shirting business in Melbourne in 1974. It was purchased by Myer Emporium Limited in 1981.
In 1998, Woolworth Holdings Limited (South Africa) (WHL) secured a controlling interest in Country Road and six years on the Country Road brand was relaunched under control of Woolworths International (Australia) Pty Ltd - a WHL subsidiary - in 2004.
In 2013, Country Road acquired Witchery Holdings Group, forming Country Road Group (CRG). A year later, WHL acquired all the remaining shares in the Country Road Group and in 2016 Politix was added to the group portfolio.
Today, Country Road operates 170 stores, outlets and concessions across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and including David Jones, Myer and Woolworths in South Africa.