The principle organisation for Australian fashion design businesses, Australian Fashion Council (AFC) announced that it intended to make a strong commitment to Australian fashion designers in 2011 by creating international opportunities for talented emerging designers.
It is backing up its claims by kicking off the year with an offer for AFC members to be part of a design team to work with the buyers of popular online retailer ASOS.
Established in June 2000, ASOS.com is the UK's largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer and offers over 36,000 branded and own label product lines. Approximately 1,300 new product lines are introduced each week. Recent statistics show that Australia is the second largest market for ASOS outside the UK.
AFC and TFIA President Michel Abeysekera said;
“I was approached by the Head Buyer at ASOS who is very interested in collaborating with “fresh new Australian designers” who have something compelling to offer initially in menswear. He recognises the incredible design talent we have here and is keen to get something happening via the AFC as soon as possible.”
Abeysekera went on to say;
“This will be an ongoing process for the AFC to create opportunities for our members by developing strong mutually beneficial relationships with major retailers overseas. Being part of the ASOS product offering means Australian designers will be able to get exposure across the world. This ironically, albeit in a small way, may counteract the swelling tide of online purchases by Australians from overseas websites” Abeysekera said.
ASOS has also indicated that they will offer both menswear and womenswear designers the opportunity for paid work placements later this year.
AFC was established in 2005 as a division of TFIA - Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia Limited. It represents Australian Fashion labels and Designers. It is in constant dialogue with major international buyers to promote Australian talent. Apart from its networking role AFC also offers to members a range of services including IP support via Fashion Rules publications and programs, Plan for People workshops on Fair Work Principals for clothing businesses and Leaders Challenging Leaders sustainability forums.
TFIA - Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia Limited
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