Wondering what “checking in” is all about? Wondering why people and not birds are tweeting? Do you know that your business needs to sell online but don’t know the first thing about it?
As one of the most popular colours for Fall 2012, it’s no surprise then that fashion’s infatuation with oxblood should transition to Spring.
From DKNY, Peter Som, Haider Ackermann, Helmut Lang, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Derek Lam and Alexander Wang’s Fall collections all embraced the burgundy hue from head to toe mahogany to accents via accessories from wide leather belts to bags and oversized totes seen at Celine.
Even The CUT documented the oxblood tone as a key look during NYFW Spring 13. Expect the leather trend to continue through the season in this deep wine shade along with separates, outerwear, accessories and footwear.
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Fashion Exposed DEBUT competition are Melbourne label, A Part of Me.
APOM is a collaboration between Kajsa Kvernmo and Kate Brook, “a partnership bound by a mutual affinity for handcrafted techniques, narrative and the natural world”.
This short video shot by local style blogger and Fashion Exposed media partner, Cecylia.com discusses how the girls came to work together after graduating from the Whitehouse Institute; how each of the garments from the collection tell a story and are inspired by childhood storybooks; and their aim to make each piece from APOM connect with the wearer and the maker.
Their website states:
APOM likes to promote all those involved in the creation of each garment, from the artist who creates the prints, to the manufacturers that construct each piece locally in Melbourne.
The aim is to empower the wearer to be informed on the life of a garment, to develop an awareness of the hand of the maker, and develop an attachment to the garment that transcends the notion of clothing itself.
APOM stands for what the duo believes in. They want their clothes to become a part of the wearer and part of the APOM story.
Congratulations again to APOM for taking out the award for Best Apparel.
WGSN reveal the latest trends in retail from unique pop up shop concepts, social media marketing stunts and inspiring visual merchandising from an international perspective.
Heidi is a creative thinker and leader with a strong product, marketing and sales background. She has experience in translating visionary ideas into strategies and everyday reality. Having joined WGSN in 2008, she leads the Australian and New Zealand business delivering insight, inspiration and actionable tools to the fashion and design industries.
THE KEY TRENDS
1. Hyperlocal
• Integrating into the community using social media platforms like pinterest, instagram etc
• Localising your products – sourcing from local areas
• Creating events, spaces & forums to open dialogue with your consumers
• Blog ups and online communities
2. Stakeholder Society
• Involve consumers in what you’re doing
• Consider your staff’s individual expertise
• Create a full & rounded experience relevant to your brand and customer
• Share your knowledge
• Use technology to add a third dimension
3. Romancing the Store
• Consider the new lifestyle – keep it comforting, tactile & close to home
• Don’t be afraid of focusing on particular interest groups
• Experiment with new retail formats that can’t be replicated online
• Location is a great way to inject a brand with new life
A virtual shop is no longer a “trend” – it’s now become part of everyday retailing. The Grand Social co-founder and co-director, Jean-Claude Abouchar spoke at Fashion Exposed today to show how you can improve your e-commerce presence and incorporate omni-channelling into your retail mix.
Opening its virtual doors in 2008, The Grand Social was the first fashion e-commerce business in the world to host smaller online stores, which are owned and controlled by individual brands. Jean-Claude is co-founder and co-director.
THE GRAND SOCIAL TOP TIPS
We are living in The Democratisation of Fashion. The old rules don’t apply anymore and consumers have changed their buying habits.
1. New Shopping Experiences – Fancy it – part store, blog, wishlist and magazine.
2. Advocates are your sales force – social shopping platforms allow customers to promote your product.
3. The industry isn’t seasonal. People want stuff right now. Online retail is mainstream. Your customers shop globally.
4. Look into Behaviour Based Targeting – deliver personalised content that appeals directly to that target.
5. Real Time Data for decisions – online shopping allows us to understand what is selling and what isn’t performing straight away with accurate data.
6. Connecting with consumers at the right time & saying the right thing will result in increased conversion online.
Retail is becoming increasingly mobile. Carol Barton is founder of Mobile Muse, specialising in mobile apps, websites, Look Books and iPad kiosks for the retail and arts sectors. Fashion clients include L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Backstage Fix, Forever New and Talulah. Carol has extensive experience in online with leading travel media companies Lonely Planet and BBC Worldwide.
She spoke at Fashion Exposed Melbourne to reveal how you can improve your mobile presence with iphone apps, ipad apps, m-commerce & other retail mobile technologies.
THE KEY MOBILE TRENDS
1. QR CODES – Blurring the lines between online and offline retail
2. Augmented Reality – Great for interactive window displays, treasure hunts.
3. iPad magazines/lookbooks – Used for pre-browsing collections, interactive self serve shopping tools and for virtual shops
4. Mobile payments – mCommerce, mWallets, mPayments – the new ways we are using smart phones
5. Mobile Check out – Easing queue’s in store by using mobile point of sale
6. Google Wallet, Apple Passport & PayPal in store – 3 new ways to pay using these well known brands
Top Tips
1. Get rid of flash
2. Re-allocate some of your print budget into digital
3. Mobilize your website
4. Understand your customers needs with mobile platforms
5. Don’t forget about a mobile version of your newsletter
6. Set some incremental goals
7. App or website – do your research and pick one or if you can do both
8. Don’t wait for the perfect time to go mobile – you’ll be left behind
Boo Radley is a contemporary women’s fashion range for boutique stores producing 7 annual ranges for sizes 8 – 18 and is found in over 500 boutiques in the Southern Hemisphere as well as their own concept stores throughout Australia.
David Sibel – Director of Boo Radley and David Guest (their business coach) presented this Business Case Study looked into their business strategy and how they have become one of the most successful fashion brands in their category.
David Guest is one of Australia’s leading business coaches and presenters. Having over 25 years of business experience in over 10 different businesses has given him the intimate understanding and knowledge of what businesses needs to be successful. For the past 12 years David has focused exclusively on coaching small and medium business.
WGSN reveal the key trends for Autumn Winter 2012/13 from colours, fabrics & silhouettes that will influence the Australian fashion industry at Premiere boutique trade event and Fashion Exposed Melbourne, 2012.
In February 2008, Jen was appointed WGSN Business Development Manager for Australia and New Zealand to oversee all new business development across Australasia.
WGSN is the leading online fashion trend-analysis and research service providing creative and business intelligence for the apparel, style, design and retail industries.
THE KEY ITEMS
1. The zipped through Coat
2. The boxy biker jacket
3. Panelled Sheath dress
4. Leather pencil skirt
5. Cropped Cigarette pant
6. Luxe sweat top
7. Men’s Classic crombies coat
8. Men’s Vintage style hiking jacket
9. Men’s Cord 2 SB (2 button single breasted jacket)
As the world’s largest online marketplace, eBay is at the very forefront of the e-commerce space as it continues to develop and grow in realtime.
Jo-Ann Hicks gave us invaluable insight on the first day of Fashion Exposed Melbourne into the online retail space and the differing habits of men and women across buying trends, spending and shopping habits.
In this video chat post-seminar she answers the age-old question of what do men and women want with surprising results and valuable insight into today’s consumer.
Thierry Mugler, the Designer, Photographer, Perfumer is overall a creative genius in the world of fashion and beauty. His early career began in the extravagant and opulent world of theatre and the arts. It was his drive to become a star in this magical world that influenced the 5 point asymmetrical star which now comes to represent the Thierry Mugler brand we know so well today.
Luxury, decadence and over the top design elements characterize his accessory collections, once again inspired by the bright lights of the stage and close clients Lady Gaga and Beyonce. The Spring Summer 13 collection has real star appeal! Sparkles, studs, bold colours, geometric designs and strong hardware features create a collection that is fun, striking and exceptionally directional.
The Thierry Mugler collection is launching for the first time in Australia with the Spring Summer 13 range on Stand 2810 at the Bags & Accessories Fair co-located with Fashion Exposed from this Sunday 26-28 August at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
The range consists of a wide variety of materials & designs which ensures a style & price for all fans of Thierry Mugler.
For more information or to register, visit fashionexposed.com
Introducing White Label NOBA – a label born from the love of “simple, beautiful design and a dream to show the world that beauty and individual style is for everyone”. The label started in 2010 when Tracey Watkins, an interior designer frustrated with the lack of beautiful clothing for larger women, designed her own wedding dress and never looked back.
Tracey runs the label with a small team. From humble beginnings WLN has grown into a two-year-old company with 80 stockists nationwide and a fantastic local following with the brand.
Here is a sneak peek of the range which includes womenswear, homewares and children’s clothing before they debut at Fashion Exposed this Sunday at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Read our interview with Tracey in this weeks’ edition of EXPOSED Online out Wednesday.
For more information or to register, visit fashionexposed.com
