International Buyers Enlist for Australian Fashion’s Premier Event

April 6, 2008

Austrade in conjunction with IMG Fashion has attracted more than 100 international buyers to Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) held from 28 April-2 May 2008.

Representatives from top fashion houses in the USA, the UK, Canada, Italy, Singapore, Ireland, UAE, Japan, Hong Kong, China and New Zealand will attend the prestigious trade event in Sydney.

Indonesia is bringing the largest delegation that includes buyers from Velvet, Fj’L and Funky Princess.

Austrade’s Senior Export Adviser in the Consumer Industry Team, Lucy Coward, said the caliber of international buyers had been boosted by Australian designers’ reputations for creating unique and diverse ranges of ready to wear fashions.

“Fashion is one of Australia’s key creative and design industries and we know there are over 2000 active fashion exporters delivering their products and services in overseas markets,” Ms Coward said.

Fashion exports are worth approximately $240 million to Australia’s economy and RAFW continues to make an important contribution to these figures.

“Designers are increasingly seeing the value and importance of selling their collections overseas. Austrade’s role is to ensure they have the opportunity to show and meet with international visitors at RAFW and maximize their chances of making significant export sales,” she said.

Austrade works in-market throughout the year to raise the profile and image of Australian brands and works closely with buyers to highlight the quality, creativity, innovation and freshness of the Australian fashion industry.

Ms Coward said Austrade focuses on companies that are reputable and export capable.

“Participating Australian designers at RAFW that also work with Austrade include:

* Kirrily Johnston
* Melanie Cutfield
* Silence is Golden, and
* Sass and Bide.

“Overseas buyers rely on Austrade as we have a good reputation as a referrer. We have an extensive network of customers overseas and we establish close relationships with these buyers who rely on Austrade to recommend key events to attend in Australia.

“We also partner with influential and key media and industry players in market to promote Australia capabilities and events,” she said.

Source: Austrade

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