In an Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) special, ragtrader.com.au asks key buyers about trade, trends and what's on their agenda. Next up is David Jones GM of womenswear, footwear and accessories Bridget Veals, who reveals how the local macroeconomic climate is affecting her buying decisions.
What are some of the latest Australian designer brands you currently stock and what are the best-performing styles?
For women, we continue to have huge success in Aje, Camilla and Marc, Zimmermann, and Rebecca Valance, and the new brands leading the way are Alemais, Clea and Blanca.
What designer collections or product categories are you looking forward to seeing at Australian Fashion Week?
It is so exciting to see Alemais open Fashion Week having been the winner of the David Jones 2022 National Designer Award. The key collections for me to see this week have to include Bec and Bridge, Bianca Spender, Aje and Blanca.
Has the current macroeconomic climate changed how buyers approach sourcing brands?
We have seen a shift to accessible lux from customers both in-store and online. Frankie Shop, Anine Bing and Vic Beckham are all creating a lot of interest and are proving very popular with our more price-conscious customers.
Are there any other key factors in the current decision-making process?
The brand's sustainability strategy is a key factor in the buying process, and where they are on that journey currently. Quality and longevity of brands and products and now not just nice-to-haves. They are key.
Brands need to look to the future and ensure their sourcing practices are sustainable and ethical.
Looking more broadly at your portfolio of brands, where do you see the main areas of demand and popularity from consumers currently?
Denim is trending again in a big way and the return of knee-length boots has brought back skirts and outerwear as a focus.
What do you predict will be the next big fashion trend?
The next big trend for women is long pencil skirts and knee-length boots.