Ragtrader will throw open the doors to the Australian fashion industry, with a new business activation set to launch hot on the heels of its 40th Year anniversary.
Ragtrader Live will debut as a one-day business conference at the prestigious Doltone House, Sydney, on August 6.
Purchase your tickets here. Early bird tickets purchased prior to 30 June are priced at $245, including refreshments throughout the day as well as evening
networking drinks.
The inaugural edition, Homegrown Heroes: Knowing today what tomorrow will bring, will spotlight game-changing strategies adopted by fashion firms in the Australian market.
Ragtrader editor Assia Benmedjdoub said the concept addresses a yawning gap for events which address the specific needs of Australian traders.
“The Australian marketplace is in a profound state of metamorphosis,” Benmedjdoub said.
“In assembling Ragtrader’s commemorative 40th Year Anniversary edition, it became apparent that never before has the industry seen so many revolutionary forces at play.
“From the onslaught of global giants such as Zara and H&M, to the drowning of geographical borders through online retailing and the challenges of omnichannel retail.
“Some of the most iconic traders have felt the brunt of these forces, with historic firms such as Fletcher Jones and Colorado Group falling into voluntary administration, along with legendary designers such as Lisa Ho.
“The Australian fashion industry needs a compelling conference series which addresses our market needs specifically. How many other regions can claim to have seen this much change in such a concentrated space of time?”
Ragtader Live will zero in on fashion business strategies which have rocked or revolutionised the local industry.
The day will open with Colliers International research director Nora Farren, who will set the scene with insider knowledge on which international retailers are coming here, when and why.
The day will evolve with presentations from game changing fashion traders, including Busbrand, the first Australian firm to bring a major international brand to local shores GAP.
Vogue Australia former editor Kirstie Clements will address the rapid changes to Australian fashion mediascape and its impact on local brand and designer coverage. Iconic designer Carla Zampatti will take part in a live interview, revealing the secrets to her decades-long staying power.
In addition to a full schedule of presentations, the day will feature a panel discussion on the extraordinary uptake of online retailing in Australia.
Panel speakers will range from fast fashion giant Asos to global luxury firm my-wardrobe.
Major event sponsor Stylesight, one of the most influential trend forecasting agencies in the world, will also offer compelling insights throughout the day, along with sponsor AMP Capital, an investment house with one of the nation’s strongest portfolio of shopping centre sites.
Ragtrader publisher Helen Davies said the launch of Ragtrader Live will mark an important meeting place for the sector.
“Ragtrader Live is a one-day conference for business executives from all corners of the fashion industry, and will provide unrivalled opportunities for networking with other leaders from across the fashion business sector. Information is a powerful tool during a time of great change.”
Early bird tickets purchased prior to 30 June are priced at $245, while tickets purchased after this date are priced at $295, all incl. GST. The prices include refreshments throughout the day as well as evening networking drinks.