Some paper, a black marker pen, a flash of inspiration. Armed with those basics, Bamboo Body’s creative coordinator and graphic designer, Mel Broughton, sketched some gum tree leaves and 
scanned the drawing into her computer to see if it would work as a fabric print.It needed just a few refining touches. Colours came next – the leaf outlines in ivory over a light blue background – and so, the Eucalyptus Print Collection was born in late 2018.Its fresh, relaxed dresses and separates will be among several new season standouts presented at Fashion Exposed Now by Bamboo Body, the Sydney-based label founded in 2005 by sisters Elouise Danby and Amanda Naess.“Look Good. Feel Good. Do Good” is Bamboo Body’s slogan. The philosophy behind it – clothing can be beautiful and sustainable - has never wavered, though one thing has changed dramatically.Notes Elouise: “When we began, eco fashion was seen as a bit alternative; now it’s mainstream because awareness of global warming and damage to the environment has grown hugely.“Back in 2005, Amanda and I realized there was a gap in the market for genuinely sustainable fashion.“Australian cotton farms have a massively destructive impact on waterways, so cotton was out as a key material. Then we got some bamboo fabric samples and wow, they were amazing – so soft and light.”
As the sisters soon discovered, bamboo not only drapes like a dream and blends well with other natural fibres, but is breathable and absorbs moisture, making it ideal for sensitive skin. As for the bamboo plant’s exceptionally low carbon footprint – truly one of nature’s superstars!Raised in NSW coastal town, Kiama – “still my favourite place in the world” – Elouise found herself at a sewing machine from age 13. “I’m small and read-to-wear didn’t work for me because I fell into the size gap between clothes for kids and adults, so I designed and made my own,” says the petite mother of two who heads operations and design at Bamboo Body.The strategy devised by the Elouise and Amanda could serve as a blueprint for long-term success: predominantly trans-seasonal, affordably priced collections that focus on classic design, wardrobe staples, unique inhouse prints and – increasingly demanded by the public – production practices that are environmentally and socially responsible.China has played a key role. The organically grown bamboo used by Bamboo Body is farmed in Yunnan Province and the Suzhou factory used by the company is committed to reducing emissions and recycling waste, and employs no workers under the age of 18.Other sustainable measures at Bamboo Body include using recycled paper and cardboard, and transporting their manufactured garments by sea rather than air, though of course all depends on the success of the collections.
Their popularity in outlets across Australia looks set to continue. While women’s outerwear dominates, there’s also a menswear range and categories include underwear, sleepwear, maternity and knitwear which features blends such as bamboo/cashmere.An important point of difference has been the talented Mel Broughton’s prints, first introduced three years ago. All have been hits and her latest designs will feature at Fashion Exposed Now.“One of them is the Grid Print – a little abstract and great for woven pieces,” says Elouise Danby. “Another is a soft floral for a women’s pyjama collection that we’ll be launching at the fair.” - Zelda Cawthorne
Airllywood: Three labels, two great friends
Mary-Anne Sullivan loves Airllywood, her popular fashion store at Queensland’s Airlie Beach, renowned as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
Pauline Ball is equally attached to her farm in Gippsland, Victoria – “beef cattle and four acres of garden.”They are lifelong friends and in February, will present three labels at the Sydney 2019 Fashion Exposed Now fair – Birds of Paradise and Mermaid’s Playground, created by Mary-Anne and making its debut, Boudica, designed by Pauline.“Mary-Anne and I talked about it for ages and finally I decided to do it,” says the farmer and accomplished seamstress who also happens to be an internationally experienced specialist in technology resource management.To history buffs, Boudica (Romanised as Boadicea) was the British Celtic queen who led an uprising against the Roman occupying forces in 60 AD. To Pauline, that magnificently statuesque warrior is the perfect role model for today’s “more buxom diva” who desires glamour with comfort. “The Boudica woman will meet you for high tea and then party the night…always with a bounce in her step,” notes the introduction to the size 14-24 label.It’s a far cry from the mostly dispiriting imagery associated with the plus-size sector. Pauline is certainly familiar with the challenges.“For years, I tried to find clothes for when I travelled to Asia – really nice, stylish pieces suitable for heat and humidity – but there was nothing for the more voluptuous woman that appealed,” she explains.“Mary-Anne agreed there was a gap in the market, so I decided it was time to fill it.”With a decade’s experience in the fashion industry, the power behind Airllywood, which carries some 20 Australian labels – accessories and jewellery as well as clothes - can be depended on for sound advice.
The lessons she has learned from Birds of Paradise which offers richly ornate caftans and chic casualwear, and resort wear label, Mermaid’s Playground, should also prove valuable.“When I introduced Birds of Paradise at my store, I didn’t think beyond retail, but then buyers kept asking if they could place orders and I realized the solution was to design and wholesale,” says Mary-Anne.“Mermaid’s Playground appeals to a younger group – fresh, feminine dresses and coordinates with a touch of Boho. Like Birds of Paradise and Boudica, it’s in natural fibres and manufactured in India under fair workplace practices.“I have a great team of girls at Airllywood. It’s been a great adventure, a real labour of love.”Even the destructive forces of Cyclone Debbie in March 2017 – “we had very bad flooding at Airlie Beach” – failed to dent Mary-Anne Sullivan’s enthusiasm and she’s looking forward to Boudica’s launch.Over in Gippsland, Pauline Ball is confident she’s covered the bases for those buxom divas.“I’ve done some elegant dresses, a variety of tops, and pants ranging from skinny leg to palazzo in mixed prints and solids,” she reveals.“Boudica is an endless summer label that will be available year-round for cool, comfortable, flattering clothes.”- Zelda Cawthorne
Fashion Exposed Now announces The Forum with fashion experts Tash Sefton and Laura Wells
PRESS RELEASEOCTOBER 2018
Fashion Exposed Now will return next year, with a weekend showcase at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on the 9th and 10th of February 2019.The fashion trade fair will feature over 150 apparel, accessory and footwear brands, including swimwear from Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren by Ralph Lauren and Kenneth Cole, along with swimwear, underwear and socks for men and women from Dsquared2 in an Australian first.In addition to the trading floor, Fashion Exposed Now has announced the addition of The Forum, a space for a series of talks to be held across the weekend. These will include best-practice tips for retailers and brands alike, spanning digital strategies and retail thought leadership.The speakers will be handpicked for the audience of fashion buyers, retail owners, stylists and designers. Confirmed speakers so far include:• Fashion tastemaker and consultant Tash Sefton on trend forecasting in a fast moving market• Leading Australian plus sized model and environmentalist Laura Wells on transparency, sustainability and why businesses should take note
With more speakers to be announced, the sessions will be divided into business and thought leadership streams to cater for the expo’s diverse audience.Commenting on previous editions, Fashion Exposed Now head honcho Marie Kinsella said it is shaping up to be an industry meeting point. "In the breakdown of attendees, we found the 75% of visitors were either retailers, stylists or designers. By attending, they were privy to the unparalleled opportunity to spend two days meeting and buying from brands featured at the event."Fashion Exposed Now provides a platform for Australian apparel, accessory and footwear brands to showcase their collections. Offerings include emerging, Australian made, European and high-end brands. The show provides an unrivalled opportunity for Australian and International brands to meet with retailers from across Australia and New Zealand and build sustainable relationships.Retailers and buyers interested in attending Fashion Exposed Now can register via the website www.fashionexposed.com
For more information, please visit fashionexposed.com or contact Sacha Hart at HUSH Communications.
Email: sacha@hush.com.auPhone: 02 9331 1170Exotik Glamour: Sensuous silks
The pure silk delights can be found in upmarket boutiques on the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini as well as at an exclusive resort in Fiji.They bear the label Exotik Glamour and behind it is a remarkable enterprise that began just two years ago when its Sydney founder, Koula Papadopoulos, decided she needed a fresh creative outlet.
“I never trained in fashion, but can sew and draw, and when my kids were younger, I made bonbonieres and boxed baby gifts for numerous weddings and christenings,” says the mother of four who was born in Australia to Greek immigrant parents.“They were traditional bonbonieres – typically, containing sugared almonds – and I sourced the lace trimmings, ribbons and little ornaments for the gift boxes at trade fairs.”The cottage industry thrived, but as her children – now aged from 16-21 – headed towards adulthood, Koula yearned for a bigger challenge. The upshot was Exotik Glamour, inspired by that timeless fashion favourite, the caftan.“I started my label from nothing in terms of capital and contacts, but my husband Nik financed my first collection and after lots of research, I found a great manufacturer in Delhi,” reveals Koula.The gifted Sydney entrepreneur and her Indian collaborators have turned out to be a dream team. She acts as designer/creative director; they provide graphic design and manufacture the twice-yearly collections whose exquisite handcrafted embroidery and embellishments distinguish Exotik Glamour.The luxe label has evolved into wide-ranging resort wear – dresses, sarongs, pants, jumpsuits and tops from tunics to camisoles, as well as those sensuous caftans - in silk crepe, georgette, chiffon and satin.
With their rich colours and prints highlighted by intricate beading and details such as tassels, the pieces blend fashion and art, and are super versatile – perfect for the beach or year-round evening glamour, and favoured by trendy teens and seasoned sophisticates alike.Behind each garment is a meticulous, sometimes lengthy process. ”I send the designs to Delhi and while some samples are sent for my approval within a week, others can take up to a month if there are details that need to be adjusted,” says Koula.“I travel to India twice a year and what always amazes me is the handcrafting process. It’s done so fast and skillfully, and the results are beautiful. They also mean each garment is unique.”Prior to the Sydney 2019 Fashion Exposed Now fair, Koula will exhibit at the January 25-28 Athens Fashion Trade Show. It will be her second innings at the Southeast Europe/Mediterranean region’s key international fashion trade fair and the fluent Greek speaker should do well.“Exotik Glamour is ideal for the Greek islands which attract so many tourists, especially from across Europe and the US, and my clients in Mykonos and Santorini have already contacted me to make sure I’ll be in Athens,” she says.Along with her new season silk confections, Koula Papadopoulos will show a capsule collection in viscose at Fashion Exposed Now.“I’ve designed black and white statement pieces highlighted by teal and mustard. It’s a departure for me – all solids, no prints.”- Zelda Cawthorne