August 2009

Designers for Daffodil Day

It's Daffodil Day and this is a day of hope and love for those who have been affected by cancer. Daffodil Day is the largest fundraising event of its kind in the southern hemisphere and enables the Cancer Council to raise around $8 million on this special day. The funds go towards research, education and support. This year, 11 of Australian fashion designers have created a Daffodil Day inspired fashion piece. Designers include Akira Isogawa, Jayson Brunsdon and Bettina Liano. Supporters are encouraged to vote online for their favourite item and go in the draw to win a $500 Westfield Shopping Voucher. Please visit Designers for Daffodil Day to cast your vote.

The Cancer Council shared with me that 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer by age 85. It's a shocking statistic so, please show your support to make a difference.

Are we out of ideas?

A PR agent emailed me today with details of her client's new Aussie clothing label. I was in disbelief when I saw that the name and style was pretty much the same as one of my favourite Greek labels. A Google search on that name brings up 45 million results and the Greek retailer holds the top spot strongly. They have 39 stores and 300 distributors around Europe and the Middle-East. Do you think the local designer is hoping to ride on the back of the Athenian brand so, she could get a slice of their pie? You can be the judge of that. Do you think that the designer forgot to do an internet search on the name before she decided to use it? This one's up to you, too.

I'm disappointed but that's fashion. Right? The unmentioned designer has another fashion label that I think is great so, did she run out of ideas? I mentioned my favourite label to the PR agent and wished her client the best of luck. Will I be writing about the new local label that comes out next month? The answer is a BIG FAT NO!

Escada files for bankruptcy

Yes, another fashion house gets hit by the global financial crisis as there seems to be a low demand for luxury goods at present. It was announced that the German fashion group, Escada, has filed for bankruptcy. A judge in Munich will examine the case and will then appoint an administrator for the company. The news got even worse for the company as their shares also dropped by more than 70% after the announcement. Where's the loyalty? For now, Escada will continue to trade and if you would like to help them, go buy yourself something at one of their stores.

Sydney Fashion Festival 2009

The Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival is on this week and it includes a number of fashion events which showcase Australia’s leading designer brands and retailers. The clothes on show are from the Spring-Summer collections and are available in the stores right now so, if you like what you see, you can go and buy yourself a little something, immediately. It is open to the public and there are free and ticketed events. For more information, check out the website.