In this month’s November news update, Glynis Traill-Nash reveals that one of fashion’s top competitions has been announced, and which new online stores are being launched in time for the festive season.
Bright, shiny things
Jewellery designer Jan Logan is known for her good eye when it comes to beautiful design—but she and son Angus also have a good eye for rising talent. Each year the Jan Logan catalogue features an upcoming star in the Australian acting fraternity, which in previous years has included Rose Byrne, Teresa Palmer and Rachael Taylor.
This week Logan unveils the 2011 catalogue—featuring Caitlin Stasey. The 20-year-old actress starred in Tomorrow When the War Began, for which she just won the IF Award for Best Actress, and has previously appeared in Neighbours. “On seeing Caitlin in Tomorrow When The War Began, we found Caitlin’s charisma and range to capture the spirit of the new guard of today,” said managing director Angus Logan. “We are happy to support Caitlin at such an exciting time in her career and in Australian Film.” The 2011 collection is inspired by European cities and is available from November 22. See janlogan.com.
Youthful endeavour
The Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards are always an accurate indicator of the names to watch, especially in its fashion category. Previous winners include Romance Was Born, Friedrich Gray and Antipodium, and every year, given the high standard of all finalists, it could almost be anyone’s guess who will take home the prize.
This year, however, you would have to feel for fellow finalists Carly Hunter and Michael Lo Sordo, both super talented young designers, because this year they were up against wunderkind Dion Lee. In the two years since leaving East Sydney TAFE, Lee has made an enormous impact on the Australian fashion landscape and is already widely regarded as one of our most talented designers. His prize includes $10,000 in flights and cash, and an invaluable mentorship with industry veterans Nicky and Simone Zimmermann. Congratulations!
Online launches
Two online stores are set to launch this week that should have the fashion-focused poised to click. Ausmode.com will, as its name suggests, focus on Australian fashion from the likes of Gary Bigeni, Ellery and camilla and marc, with accessories from Rachael Ruddick, ManiaMania and Elke. Sydneysider Lisa Smith (who earlier this year published Bondi Style) is the driving force behind the site, which will offer free next-day delivery and have a VIP programme offering a permanent discount for members and free courier deliveries in Sydney.
Meanwhile, designer Nina Skrzynski of Nina Maya is launching Nina Maya Emporium, featuring not only her own current collection, but vintage pieces, accessories from TMOD, and some lifestyle and beauty items. See www.ninamaya.com.
Globe trotting
In other online news, Hanker.com has just been launched by entrepreneur Kate Evers, a former investor and Harvard MBA graduate who previously witnessed the needs of professional women while working overseas in London and New York. Thus, everything on Hanker must be practical, classic and timeless. Read handbags and baby bags from Anya Hindmarch and Kate Spade, Aquascutum trench coats, accessories by Lara Bohinc, leather goods form Henry Cuir, Liberty scarves, Erikson Beamon jewellery and Pineider stationery. It’s an impressive line-up and a one-stop shop that will save time for busy women who don’t want to skimp on style.
Glynis will be back next week with more expert fashion advice. Click here to read Glynis’ full bio. And you can also follow her on Twitter.
