In an Australian Fashion Week special, ragtrader.com.au asks key buyers about trade, trends and what's on their agenda. Next up is The Iconic’s senior buyer Lisa Bean, who reveals the current hot trends in Australia right now.
Which Australian designer brands do you stock?
The Iconic has an assortment of over 100 Australian and International designer brands. Homegrown favourites include Camilla & Marc, Alemais, St. Agni and Bassike.
Which designers are you most looking forward to seeing at AFW this year?
I’m really looking forward to The Frontier show. It’s one of the most anticipated events this year, especially with standout brands like Wynn Hamlyn and Paris Georgia on the lineup. I’m also excited to see what Hansen & Gretel brings to the runway. Their last AFW appearance was in 2023, and since then, they’ve been evolving and redefining the brand in a big way. They’re having a moment right now, so seeing that momentum translate into a runway show this year should be something special.
What fashion trends are you seeing right now?
The Iconic is a leading online platform for fashion in Australia and New Zealand, which means we’re really tapped into key local fashion trends - we have the data into what Australians are shopping. This allows us to be hyper-focused on customer trends, both current and emerging.
At the moment locally, we are seeing early adoption to high-winter trends, especially with suede in apparel, footwear and accessories. Richer tones are also taking the spotlight, with deep reds, burgundy, and chocolate proving especially popular as customers begin to move away from classic black for A/W.
Has your buying strategies changed in recent months amid global economic challenges?
We are watching this closely and navigating through challenges in real time, however our Pillar of delivering an inspired fashion and lifestyle assortment for our customer remains our centerpoint. With a large assortment of brands on The Iconic, we’re building unique and tailored strategies by individual brands, which allows us to support strengths and challenges for our partners.
What do you predict will be the next big fashion trend?
Hemlines keep getting shorter and shorter every season, and we’re predicting that the micro skirt and short will continue - even when the weather cools down. Pair with stockings, sheer black, patterned or even coloured. We’re continuing to see the influencers of Bohemian into the new season, with fabrics like corduroy, suede - specifically in chocolate and taupes - prominent.
Sheer pieces, or detailing, continues to show up in collections, and this trend does not need to be proactive. Use sheer pieces to artfully layer, such as under an blazer, or pair a sheer skirt with an oversized jumper.
Colours: Powder pinks
Patterns: Plaid
Fabrications: Suede