The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has joined forces with B2B virtual showroom ORDRE.com.
As industry buyers remain in lockdown during COVID-19, the joint venture will provide a platform to access Australian designer collections digitally.
AFC Virtual on ORDRE launched yesterday, with resort collections from Aje, Camilla, Ginger & Smart, KITX, Strateas Carlucci, P.E Nation and more.
AFC CEO Leila Naja Hibri said the pandemic has deeply impacted local designers, with fashion festivals and trade events cancelled.
"AFC Virtual on ORDRE will showcase a unique curation of Australian brands ranging from globally recognised superstars to hidden gems of talent.”
Whilst most European and US brands won’t be showing resort ranges until later in July, AFC Virtual on Ordre now offers buyers from across the globe a head start with Australian collections debuting in May.
David Jones womenswear, footwear and accessories GM Bridget Veals welcomed the move.
"We are looking forward to placing orders not only with our existing designers, but also looking for new opportunities and emerging talent as we would during this important timing each year.
"Our commitment to the Australian fashion industry, the jobs it creates and the creativity it inspires, is more important now than ever.”
Buyers will be able to view and engage with collections through a combination of high-resolution images including interactive ORB360° images, video, the ability to zoom in and detailed product descriptions.
Buyers can access the individual designer virtual showrooms to review collections, make selections and place wholesale orders - all online.
ORDRE founder Simon Lock said it will provide a vital digital touchpoint.
“With the entire industry still in lockdown for May and June AFC Virtual on ORDRE will allow Australian retailers and designers to continue to do business.
"While wholesale orders are expected to be reduced on historical levels over this period there is still some optimising by retailers that they will require new stock deliveries when many retailers are hoping to return to more normal trading in October/November.”