Fashion and design

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The ultimate textile

The ultimate textile

10 November 2016

Sixth-generation farmer Charles Downie has managed Glenelg Estate through a period of drought and active stock reduction, to a flourishing flock producing some of the world’s finest fleece.

The ultimate textile
NAB Online Retail Sales Index: Indepth report – June 2016

NAB Online Retail Sales Index: Indepth report – June 2016

3 August 2016

National Australia Bank’s latest Online Retail Sales Index (NORSI) shows online spending grew by 13.5% in the 12 months to June 2016. While still strong, growth has flattened from the year-on-year growth seen back in 2011 when the index was first established.

NAB Online Retail Sales Index: Indepth report – June 2016
Kookai’s 0M-plus clothing empire

Kookai’s $100M-plus clothing empire

14 July 2016

Rob Cromb has presided over the evolution of Kookai in Australia, from its early years as a Parisian label imported on consignment to its current incarnation as a local designer, manufacturer and retailer.

Kookai’s 0M-plus clothing empire
Using social media to build a cult clothing label

Using social media to build a cult clothing label

2 June 2016

Six years ago, James Lillis founded the clothing label Black Milk, using the power of social media to grow a cult following. Now Queensland’s largest clothing manufacturer, with sales of more than 1000 garments a day, it’s now working on cracking the American market.

Using social media to build a cult clothing label
NAB Online Retail Sales Index: in depth report – March 2016

NAB Online Retail Sales Index: in depth report – March 2016

28 April 2016

Australian consumers spent an estimated $19.3 billion online in the past year, primarily on homewares, groceries, media and fashion. According to National Australia Bank’s (NAB) latest Online Retail Sales Index in-depth report, online spending increased 12.4% over the last year.

NAB Online Retail Sales Index: in depth report – March 2016
Road from practitioner to designer

Road from practitioner to designer

8 April 2016

Queensland podiatrist and physiotherapist Caroline McCulloch launched FRANKiE4 after spotting a gap in the women’s shoe market for styles that are both comfortable and fashionable.

Road from practitioner to designer
NY Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis tells how to get ahead: be nice

NY Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis tells how to get ahead: be nice

31 March 2016

Fern Mallis is the founder of New York Fashion Week and has variously been described as an industry titan, doyenne, and The Godmother of Fashion. So her words of advice to those who want to work in fashion, with its reputation for attracting egotistical designers and haughty models could be considered surprising: “Be nice.”

NY Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis tells how to get ahead: be nice
The future of fashion – 3D print your shoes at home

The future of fashion – 3D print your shoes at home

30 March 2016

Jodie Fox is revolutionising the footwear industry, but she has a bigger vision for the fashion sector. Custom manufacturing is the way to keep up with evolving customer demands – and one day consumers will be able to 3D print their shoes at home.

The future of fashion – 3D print your shoes at home
Peter Alexander – from hand model to pyjama king

Peter Alexander – from hand model to pyjama king

9 March 2016

When Peter Alexander started his business, he always had a Plan B. Alexander says planning for the worst allowed him to focus on the future of his business, which now turns over $150 million a year, has close to 100 retail outlets and is planning to expand overseas.

Peter Alexander – from hand model to pyjama king
How Cathryn Wills won the top job at bag and shoe maker MIMCO

How Cathryn Wills won the top job at bag and shoe maker MIMCO

8 March 2016

Cathryn Wills had never really considered herself as a candidate for the top job at handbag, jewellery and shoe label MIMCO. She told at one of a series of ‘Business Events Program supported by NAB’as part of the 2016 Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

How Cathryn Wills won the top job at bag and shoe maker MIMCO
24 Hours with Chelsea and James Ross

24 Hours with Chelsea and James Ross

18 January 2016

Husband and wife Chelsea and James Ross are the dynamic duo behind Venivici, a company that operates three – soon to be four – women’s boutique retreats in Bali and Japan under the Goddess Retreats brand.

24 Hours with Chelsea and James Ross
Shoes of Prey takes on the US

Shoes of Prey takes on the US

14 December 2015

Shoes of Prey co-founder Jodie Fox has moved the fashion-tech company stateside. She shares her experience tackling the US market from her Santa Monica base.

Shoes of Prey takes on the US
The watchmaker’s son

The watchmaker’s son

11 November 2015

Adina clock and watch making company produce 40,000 watches a year, all assembled by hand. Founded by Rob Menzies in 1971, his son Grant Menzies has now taken the reins and plans to make Adina an iconic Australian brand.

The watchmaker’s son
A visionary approach to business

A visionary approach to business

29 July 2015

Australia has proven to be particularly fertile territory for British-based Specsavers since it arrived here in 2008, famously opening 100 stores during its first 100 days down under.

A visionary approach to business
Strictly love and business

Strictly love and business

12 June 2015

Husband-and-wife partners in film, theatre and entertainment production company Bazmark Inq, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin reveal the secrets to their successful partnership spanning the arts, business and family life.

Strictly love and business
24 hours with Peter Maddison from Maddison Architects

24 hours with Peter Maddison from Maddison Architects

18 December 2014

Melbourne-based architect Peter Maddison splits his days between running his busy boutique architectural practice and his role as host of Grand Designs Australia. He shares a day in the life of running Maddison Architects while moonlighting as a television host.

24 hours with Peter Maddison from Maddison Architects
Collette Dinnigan: For the love of fashion and family

Collette Dinnigan: For the love of fashion and family

11 December 2014

After 24 years in business Collette Dinnigan took the bold move of restructuring her business so she could focus on the purely creative elements of being a designer and devote more time to her young family. One year on, she reflects on her decision.

Collette Dinnigan: For the love of fashion and family
24 hours with Erica and Trudi from hardtofind

24 hours with Erica and Trudi from hardtofind

26 September 2014

Since 2008, Erica and Trudi’s online gift site has grown to represent more than 700-curated sellers offering 25,000 products. Recently named by SmartCompany as Australia’s seventh fastest growing small business in 2013-2014, the two owners share a day in the life of running hardtofind.

24 hours with Erica and Trudi from hardtofind
Create a positive first impression with your waiting room

Create a positive first impression with your waiting room

15 September 2014

Your waiting room can influence how your patients feel about you and your practice. Caroline Chaplin, Director of Rooms With Style, explains how colour, lighting and soft furnishings can help you convey the right message in a cost-effective way.

Create a positive first impression with your waiting room
Mary Queen of Shops’ top tips for small businesses

Mary Queen of Shops’ top tips for small businesses

16 October 2013

Best known for her BBC TV series, Mary Queen of Shops, Mary Portas shared her top tips for small businesses during her recent visit to Australia to promote Support Small Business Day - a Victorian Government initiative in partnership with NAB.

Mary Queen of Shops’ top tips for small businesses