Vanguard forges new ground
Hip Brisbane based clothing label Vanguard is staking out new territory at home and abroad, having signed as a first time exhibitor at FASHION EXPOSED and been picked to take part in a high profile US showcase G'day USA.
The creation of brothers Jono and Sam Cottee, Vanguard was officially launched in 2005 in a humble print shop out of their family garage.
The brothers each bring unique skills to the Vanguard table, with Jono's formal training in architecture, eye for graphic design and attention to detail meshing with Sam's attention to texture, fabrication and fit.
The result is described by the brand's spokesperson as a fresh, idiosyncratic label "that mixes graphic order with left field chaos [and] has left fashion forward youth screaming for more."
Since launching, Vanguard has been seen at high profile events including Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane, Pool Tradeshow in Las Vegas and the Homebake fashion incentive.
The label is now stocked in 50 boutiques across Australia and New Zealand and recently secured distribution deals in the US and Japan.
As part of its strategy to strengthen its market penetration, Vanguard will be showcased in the Streetlab precinct of FASHION EXPOSED, taking place at Sydney Exhibition Centre from 14-16 February 2010, alongside the AUSTRALIAN SHOE FAIR and the Bags & Accessories Fair.
Just prior to its first taste of FASHION EXPOSED, next January will also see Vanguard showcasing its winter 2010 range as part of G'Day USA and Australia Week in New York. The label was one of 12 brands chosen to show its collections to US opinion leaders, including buyers and media, in the designer showrooms of the Australian Consulate.