by N. Jayne Seward, Fashion Editor Apparel News
SYDNEY, Australia—With 15 years under its belt, Rosemount Australian Fashion Week has become the premier showcase for designers from Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, the five-day run of the Spring/Summer 2010/2011 shows took place May 3–7 at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in the Circular Quay. The event highlighted more than 155 designers on the runway in collection and group shows, up from 33 designers in 1996. In addition, the event included Swim Fashion Week @RAFW this season.
As the popularity of Australian brands grows, the word is out among U.S. retailers that it’s worth the long flight Down Under to find new, innovative lines to stock their shelves.
Landmark celebration
It’s no secret that Australian designers have been making waves around the world. To celebrate fashion week’s 15th year, the Powerhouse Museumpresented an exhibition titled “Frock Stars: Inside Australian Fashion Week” in collaboration with fashion-week organizers IMG Fashion. The ongoing exhibition highlights the history, challenges and achievements of the Australian fashion industry.
With a temperate climate, diverse landscape and its own celebrity culture, Australia turns out everything from swimwear and surf brands to stylish menswear, women’s ready-to-wear and glamorous evening collections. Combining a European heritage with an easy, carefree lifestyle, Australian designers have developed their own brand of style.
Opposites attract
While the word is out that the fashion scene is happening Down Under, offering product on an opposite seasonal calendar can be a challenge. Having a U.S.-based distributor is a plus and also helps to make product more affordable.
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