MELBOURNE RETAIL FESTIVAL 2019
This year at the Melbourne Retail Festival we had many exhibitors who are leading the way in fashion with their creative innovations. We would love to share with you five of the most inventive product developments from Australian designers that were showcased at the fair.
JOHN MILES SHIRTS
Meet Jane: the clever designer of the John Miles crease-proof, sweat-proof and daggy-proof shirts.
Jane’s husband regularly travels on flights for work, which presented a problem – his shirts would always come out creased! And so, her search begun to find the perfect shirt and that would withstand the annoyances of travel. When she could not find the one, she set out to design her own.
“We couldn’t find a shirt with flexible fabric that would both allow comfort and not require ironing.”
The result is a stylish non-iron, moisture wicking and classic fit dress shirt. Currently there are four classic colours available – white, pale blue, blue/white gingham and black/white gingham – with plans to add more to the range soon!
ANEARA
Sandals have a reputation for not always being the best for your feet, but the podiatrist-approved Aneara shoes are changing the game.
Andrea Selman, CEO and head Designer of Aneara, was looking for fashionable age-appropriate shoes with support for her daughters’ growing feet. After visiting the girls’ podiatrist to buy shoes for summer, the Podiatrist said “That’s it! We have nothing more after this size for them”. Andrea couldn’t believe at the age of 9 – the girls could now wear ladies orthotic shoes. Surely this wasn’t correct. But after much investigation this was the case.
In early 2016, Aneara was born. With a couple of shoemaking courses under Andrea’s belt and sketches under her arm, she was on a mission to create age appropriate and supportive shoes that are great for growing feet.
What makes an Aneara sandal unique is the footbed that gives support, with a deep heel cup, structured heel counter and adjustable ankle straps – no more aching legs and backs! Andrea continues to make her own prototypes in her own shoe studio, working extensively with podiatrists, physiotherapists and shoe manufacturers, to create shoes good for your feet. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
CHUSETTE
Australia’s premium hosiery brand, Chusette have created a unique fabric that truly stands the test of time.
A carefully curated combination of cotton, bamboo and cashmere, Chusette socks are designed to keep you comfortable all year round. The socks have a comfortable elastic top, invisible seams and reinforced toe and heel.
We love not only that the Chusette socks are not only a great innovation with their unique blend, but that they are also a truly family brand with sizes catering to all ages.
PRINTEMPS ETE
Rebecca Formoso’s colourful intricate jewellery designs are truly one of a kind. Handcrafted from her studio in Seaford, Rebecca finds her inspiration in nature to achieve a feminine and bold statement. Her designs are made with a combination her favourite gems, crystals, pearls, feathers and findings – all in colours that she can’t resist. We totally agree with her philosophy that life is too short to wear boring jewellery!
One day a retailer asked Rebecca if the feather on one of her necklace could be clipped on and off so that the customer can choose depending on the occasion. This inspired Rebecca to create more jewellery with customisable elements so that customers can enjoy more versatility with her designs.
Rebecca has also worked with her retailers to create pieces that compliment new season clothing perfectly.
Printemps Ete is a wonderful example of how designers and retailers can collaborate together to create innovative pieces that their customers will love!
CALI RAE SWIMWEAR
Cali Rae has created the world’s first scent infused swimwear range! This was inspired by their love of all whole foods.
Organic, vegan and delicious, Cali Rae take careful consideration into choosing the highest quality fabrics in the most desirable scents. The scent range includes apple spice, blackberry, chocolate, lychee, pina colada, pineapple, pomegranate and strawberry.
The swimwear is infused using a fabric spray that has been made with premium fragrance oils and essential oils. The spray is alcohol free and does not contain any harsh chemicals – completely vegan and cruelty free!
https://melbourneretailfestival.com.au/news/innovation-at-the-melbourne-retail-festival-2019/