Australia news and archive

The Leisure Collective restructures leadership team

The Leisure Collective (TLC), the Australia-based parent company of surf and coastal lifestyle brands Creatures of Leisure, Otis Eyewear, Sito Shades and Layday, have created a director of brands role as part of a leadership restructuring designed to “fuel next five years of growth”. In a statement, TLC said it was promoting key staff to take...

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Australia’s David Jones names new chief executive

Australian department store chain David Jones has appointed Erica Berchtold as its new chief executive officer, marking the retailer’s first female CEO in its 188-year history. Berchtold, the retailer’s chief commercial officer since May 2025, succeeds Scott Fyfe, who has been CEO since October 2020, with immediate effect. As chief commercial...

Fashion

Australian Fashion Council to launch dedicated showroom at Paris Fashion Week

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is set to broaden its horizons with the launch of a new showroom at Paris Fashion Week’s SS27 edition dedicated to Australian designers. The initiative comes as a continuation of the organisation’s Global Gateways export programme, and marks what the council said is a “structural step-change” in how the local...

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Solbari launches US wholesale business

Australian sun protection apparel brand Solbari, known for its UPF 50+ clothing, sun hats and accessories, has launched a wholesale business in the US and appointed Grayson Davis as head of sales in the region to lead its retail growth strategy. In a statement, Melbourne-founded Solbari said the move marks an expansion beyond its...

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EU-Australia FTA: Tarriff removal and export growth projections

The European Union and Australia have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), marking a significant step for international business and trade. The agreement, finalised during a meeting between European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and prime minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, will remove over 99...

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Australia: Strategy launched to rebuild domestic textile manufacturing

A new strategy has been launched in Australia aimed at rebuilding targeted domestic manufacturing capabilities across the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sector. The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and footwear brand R.M.Williams have jointly introduced the National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026–2036. The...

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Fanatics names first general manager for Australia and New Zealand

Global sports platform and leading provider of licensed sports merchandise, Fanatics, has appointed Sarah Flynn as the company’s first general manager for Australia and New Zealand. In a statement, Fanatics said the appointment marked a “significant milestone” in the company’s continued expansion across one of its fastest-growing international...

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Australian brand Outcast announces UK expansion

Australian womenswear brand Outcast is expanding to the UK with a dedicated local distribution hub and website as it looks to “better serve its growing regional customer base,” as part of wider plans to accelerate its international expansion. Founded in 2015, Outcast has become a hit in Australia and around the world for its “bold, confident and...

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Birkenstock to acquire Australian distributor

German footwear provider Birkenstock is set to take direct control of its distribution in Australia. On Wednesday, the publicly listed parent company, Birkenstock Holding Plc, announced it will acquire the distribution company Birkenstock Australia Pty. Ltd. through its subsidiary, Birkenstock International Asia GmbH. A corresponding binding...

Fashion

Rebecca Vallance to redesign Qantas airline uniforms

Australian airline Qantas has selected Australian fashion designer Rebecca Vallance to create its new uniform, following a competitive pitch process. The move will mark the airline's first major uniform overhaul in more than a decade, with Vallance’s new uniform set to launch in 2027, replacing the current design by Martin Grant, which was...

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NGOs crack down on alleged human rights violations within Australia’s fashion industry

Organisations in Australia are cracking down on local fashion brands suspected of carrying out systemic labour rights violations. A new report by Oxfam Australia, backed by the Human Rights Law Centre, has outlined evidence of exploitation and child labour specifically across Bangladesh’s garment supply chain, with potential links to Australian...

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Marks & Spencer enters Australia through David Jones partnership

British retailer Marks & Spencer has debuted in Australia via a new partnership with local department store David Jones. The exclusive deal will initially see Marks & Spencer’s core lingerie and sleepwear range, including T-shirt bras, lace styles, shapewear and thermals, introduced to David Jones stores and its online website from July 14. The...