Gladraggers

Literacy advocates
Fashionistas love nothing more than a great argument and so it was that consultant firm Australian Fashion Partners (AFP) led a group of merry industry types to the Dymocks Literacy Foundation's Great Debate recently. With all proceeds going towards helping children to learn to read and write more proficiently, celebrities including Richard Glover and Adam Spencer argued over whether it is better to 'read about it than do it'. Pictured is Rosemary Wright (Cullachange), Leanne Judge, Serena Beirne (AFP), Nila Oreb (AFP), Dominic Beirne (AFP), Paul Judge (NSW DSRD), Emma Scherini (AFP) and Tina Miaoulis (MemSahib Millinery).

Ice Ice Baby
Fresh from an assault on the American footwear market, Mary-Kyri Pallaras gave a nod back to her Australian fans with the launch of her spring/summer 2008/09 collection in Sydney. The founder of Mary Kyri shoes, a brand stocked in prestigious specialty and department stores such as London-based Harrods, braved the winter chill to unveil her colourful Icena range at Favela nightclub in Potts Point. Pictured in her feathery best is Pallaras with model April Rose Pengilly.

Fat fun
More than 400 art loving guests braved a cold Melbourne evening to help Fat4 stores celebrated its 10th birthday celebrations recently. The event featured a charity art auction at the Murray White Room which included works from some of Australia's leading contemporary artists. The event raised over $11,000 with proceeds going to The Immigrant Women's Domestic Violence Service. Pictured enjoying the revelry are the four Fat directors - Rachael Cotra, Bianca Wiegard, Sarah Hamilton and Kym Purtell.

Not over the Hill
Accessories retailer Kate Hill staged an all day party to celebrate her official debut at Melbourne's Knox Hill Shopping Centre last month. Featuring high-shine retro checked floors, mirrored counters and pink candy stripe features, the store is designed to look like a lolly shop for handbags. Pictured sorting raffle prizes is store manager Tamara Whittington.