Closing Up Shop: Australia’s New Fashion Trend
Today I have a bit of a ‘newsy’ post for you on the abundance of fashion designers closing up shop in Australia.
I’m so disappointed with the latest news of Willow and Bettina Liano. Have a read and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Closing Up Shop: Australia’s New Fashion Trend
Whenever I shop for myself, I find the majority of my purchases are from Australian fashion designers and retailers.
It’s not a decision I make purely because I live here, there is actually some great quality products on the market and I like that I’m supporting the local economy.
But the pool of Australian fashion designers is quickly diminishing with news of yet another two departures.
The Age reported on the weekend that “denim queen” Bettina Liano’s business has been placed in administration for the second time in two years.
According to Liano, The Apparel Group who also own Saba and Sportscraft offered her a mere $50,000 for her business, which has since been rejected and the business is set to close.
At the same time, The Apparel Group have resigned Kit Willow from her own label ten years after it’s launch leaving the designer “heartbroken” and “shocked”.
This year, I have delivered an incredible amount of disappointing news to you regarding Australian fashion labels closing down or designers taking a less involved path in the brands we love.
Here is a timeline of the announcements:
- May 2013: Lisa Ho closes up shop after going into administration
- July 2013: Kirrily Johnston went into voluntary administration
- August 2013: Alannah Hill leaves her own label
- October 2013: Collette Dinnigan closes her business to spend more time with her children
- November 2013: Sass & Bide founders, Heidi Middleton and Sarah Jane Clarke step down as directors of their fashion empire
Willow who spoke to the Age revealed her disappointment.
“I think it’s very sad that all these great designers are disappearing. People like Collette Dinnigan and Kirrily [Johnston] are so talented but they don’t have the same opportunities as overseas designers.”
In addition, Perth designer, Polly Lissiman put her label “on hold” earlier this year attributing the decision to huge production prices in Australia.
“Deadlines are tight, you have to book months in advance and because these manufacturers have so many designers wanting to use their services they are able to pick and choose who they want to work with as well as drive their prices up every season,” Lissiman told SMH in July.
However the market is not so gloomy for international fast fashion including Zara, Top Shop and soon to be launched H&M – brands that have also been accused of “stealing” from the Australian marketplace.
But can we really blame the Zara’s of the world?
Competition will always be there and while as consumers, we have the ultimate buying power of where we shop; it’s up the fashion labels to also respond to today’s ever-changing market.
Zimmerman seem to be, whereby two decades ago the designers were selling their clothes at Sydney’s Paddington market and they have just opened a flagship store in Soho, New York. They also have one in LA and another 15 stores in Australia.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this burning issue. Why do you think this is happening in Australia?
Cindy x
