Fair exposes new exhibitors
MELBOURNE: As the September edition of Fashion Exposed & Preview draws near, two new exhibitors claim to focus on hot clothing in more ways than one.
Spruiking warm layers for winter, Melbourne knitwear Twitchett & Tonge would leverage its presence at designer showcase Preview - from September 14 to 16 - to drive interstate business, introduce recently appointed Victorian and NSW agents to the market and open up potential export leads, confirmed co-founder Olivia Twitchett.
"Our ultimate aim is to start stocking retailers in the UK, but we're also very interested in opening up in New Zealand. In fact we're in discussions with Austrade about how to approach this."
Twitchett and business partner Claire Tonge established the label in 2006 to fill a gap in the market "for good quality, non synthetic knitwear that had a point of difference or added detail," she said.
The label - whose unique selling point was its use of Australian natural fibres, primarily merino wool - was now stocked in over 25 stockists nationally, with strong growth expected for the coming winter seasons. The new autumn/winter 2009 collection comprised around 30 pieces including jumpers, dresses and cardigans. Prices started at $199 for a superfine crew neck jumper with intarsia and embroidery detailing.
September will also see first time exhibitor Bonbon lingerie peddling its wares at Fashion Exposed, following its Australian launch last Christmas. Distributed exclusively in Australia by Sydney company La Mar Distribution, it was hoped the Estonian-born label would drive pre-orders for its spring/summer 2009 season, confirmed La Mar Distribution director Ocean Jarvie.
The collection would comprise eight lines, with highlights including both bright and pastel palettes, black and white contrasts with touches of ivory and colour, and embroidery, net and lace detailing.
As well as 2009 pre-orders, Bonbon would also promote its current offering at the expo, including vintage-look collection Eclat Nacre, leopard print line La Bete and glamour range Noir Plaisir.
All Bonbon collections featured accessories including eye masks, suspender belts, garters, necklaces, socks and cell phone bags, and with prices averaging $79 for a bra, the label was "positioned just below high end brands such as Pleasure State", Jarvie said.
"A lot of lingerie is made in China these days, but Bonbon is made in Europe, so we're really hoping to push quality and price as the brand's points of difference."
By Belinda Smart