Events

Press Release - 2 September   
                                                                    
"Melbourne to preview Canterbury’s Top Designers "
Profiling Autumn Winter Fashion Season 2006
Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank, Australia.
4 - 6 September 2005

Canterbury Designers will showcase their ranges at Australia’s largest apparel tradeshow in Melbourne this month, supported by outdoor apparel cluster, ClothesLink Canterbury.

Preview and co-located Fashion Exposed are predicted to attract over 9,000 retailers from around the globe.  Local talent for the ClothesLink Canterbury exhibit includes, Sakaguchi, Chalkydigits, Dual, Julie Dawson Handbags, McAuslin Merino and Tekau Knitwear.  While regulars of the event Untouched World, Caroline Moore and Robyn Cliffe Couture will continue to exhibit their own stands.

ClothesLink Canterbury will launch a new website on Sunday 4 September at the preview exhibit.  Revamped to attract more buyer interest, the site will allow designers to register their business on-line. Designers can submit information about their business, places they are stocking, and photographs profiling their unique products.  Buyers will also be encouraged to register on-line to keep up to date with new designers, collections and latest media information.

For the second time this year, preview will provide a unique opportunity for buyers to source the best in fashion, accessories, footwear and services from Australia, New Zealand and around the world.  Over 150 high-end labels are expected to exhibit at this trade-only event.  
Organisers of the event are keen to see more New Zealand designers take part “There is great interest in New Zealand Design overseas, and it makes sense to continue the growth of companies in Australia, as it is the next logical trading partner, we are excited to meet buyers and to see the outcomes from this September’s preview.”

‘Launched only four seasons ago, preview has exceeded its creator’s expectations by growing in size and popularity’.

 ‘Cluster’ Profile

Takaaki Sakaguchi - Sakaguchi
Multi-Award winning designer, Takaaki Sakaguchi has now launched his own New Zealand based label that combines the beauty of Japanese Kimono and the best of Western design.  Takaaki operates his Sakaguchi headquarters and flagship boutique from Christchurch.  His regular product range consists of three strands - URBAN, COUTURE & SOIRÉE.

Liz Collins - Chalkydigits
Named after the chalk rock-climbers use on their hands, Chalkydigits street wear is the brainchild of Christchurch based designer, Liz Collins.  Launched five years ago, Chalkydigits is proudly a New Zealand Made success story.  Thirty-year old Liz attributes her achievement to her determination, which has seen her label grace the racks of twenty-five stores nationwide.

Nancy Pitt - Tekau Knitwear
Using unique garment technology, Tekau Knitwear has created a Merino fibre that is so soft it can be worn next to the skin without irritation.  Washing machine and dyer friendly, this new fibre is surprisingly elegantly fine.  Tekau has recently introduced new blood to their design team, and is proud to introduce the ‘Ten Needles’ label to their women’s fashion ranges.

Loris Ives - McAuslin Merino
Produced in the breath-taking mountains of South Island New Zealand, McAuslin Merino uses only the finest Merino Woolmark label wool.
McAuslin Merino in collaboration with the country’s top studio knitters handcrafts stunning lace scarves, wraps, ponchos and shawls for the local and international market. 

Julie Dawson - Julie Dawson Handbags
Julie Dawson combines her artisan skills and a touch of luxury to her range of unique designer handbags. Handcrafted using animal furs and skins, her designs aim to reflect the purchasers individuality of lifestyle.

Jeff Knewstubb Co-owner - Dual
Dual’s popularity is attributed to the flattering fit and emphasis on style.  From concept through to creation, the entire process takes place in-house in their water front workshop. Dual’s personal production style ensures the labels winning combination of quality and design.

Other Christchurch Company's exhibiting at preview:

Perry Drysdale - Untouched World
Caroline Moore - Caroline Moore
Robyn Cliffe - Robyn Cliffe Couture

For further information contact:
ClothesLink Canterbury NZ
Adele Wilkinson (03) 379-5575
Designer Fashion & Outdoor Apparel
adele.wilkinson@cdc.org.nz
www.clotheslink.org.nz