British high-street giant River Island has invested in a new initiative, as it sets course for Australian shores.
The retailer, which recently revealed its local expansion plans exclusively to Ragtrader [July 2013], has embarked on a new venture on its home ground, to test its own market ahead of an Australian adaptation.
The latest innovation sees River Island experiment with its established Designer Forum initiative - a platform to nurture emerging fashion talent – and launch the initiative's first men’s collaboration, with Tom Lipop.
The Lipop collection designs have been described by River Island as a line of premium, progressive and functional menswear pieces and were initially launched to the UK market via a short film with Lipop, screened as part of the British Fashion Council’s Fash/On Film initiative at London Collections: Men in June.
River Island marketing director Josie Roscop has also confirmed that the innovative collaborations initiative could soon be replicated in Australia, as the brand forges ahead with plans to tackle the local market.
“We are always on the hunt for the next big thing as we see nurturing emerging design talent as a crucial part of our business. Australia as a melting-pot of fresh and exciting fashion talent, and with plans of opening a store in Australia, we may set our sights on collaborating with up and coming designers from down under,” she said.
The move to launch a men's collection follows three “hugely successful” womenswear collaborations, and will see British designer Lipop take the reins with an autumn/winter 2013 collection titled London Collections: Men Presents.
The 16 piece collection will be available to buy in selected stores and online for Australian consumers on the dedicated River Island Australian e-store from the beginning of September 2013.
River Island has also recently announced its next new designer for their Design Forum initiative – Eudon Choi.
Eudon Choi was named ‘One to Watch’ by British Vogue in 2012 and will debut his Eudon Choi for River Island Design Forum collection via a short film at London Fashion Week’s Fash/on Film event on September 15, 2013.
Fash/on Film is an initiative derived by The British Fashion Council and River Island. The collection will be available in selected stores in the UK and internationally and onlineon September 23, 2013.