Marketing Magazine Article

I sat next to Kylie Flavell at LMFF this year and got chatting and discovered she is editor of both Crystal and Marketing magazine (and I thought I was busy!) So we exchanged cards and not long after, I approached Kylie about writing a regular column in Marketing Magazine with a focus on women. I was wrapped when she liked the idea, and so I set about researching what I thought Women might want to read and respond to.

The results are in the August issue of Marketing Magazine on page 66-67 in the digital section titled "What do Women want online?" Love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

WGSN Australian Contributor

A lifelong dream to work with the well reputed WGSN (Worth Global Style Network) came to fruition earlier this year. When I was at RMIT studying, I was introduced to WGSN through a guest lecturer and was overwhelmed that a website even existed in this format talking all about the world of trends, consumer behaviour, tracking where trends come from and evolve too etc.

Having used WGSN in many roles throughout my 20's at various companies and attending the WGSN twice yearly seminars on trends, I was familiar with what the site had to offer from a client point of view but always hoped that one day I might get to contribute to the site as a trend observer.

Finally at the ripe age of 30, having paid some dues and working across a variety of areas within fashion (visual merchandising, retail, design and development, lecturing, marketing and branding) I have a more thorough understanding of how the fashion industry works and in a better position to be an Australian Contributors to WGSN.

My focus is about covering Retail stores, What's in Store and City Guides. My first assignment was to go to Sydney and compile an updated report on where to shop, eat, drink and be inspired in Sydney. A favourite feature on WGSN are the city guides where you can download the print ready guide which gives you the insiders tips to where to go for creative inspiration whilst in that city.

So if you are a subscriber, check it out. It's live next week.

If you think you have a new & exciting store, great inspirational pop up store, gallery launch, window display or installation and want me to report on it. Let me know. Check out my website to get in contact with me.

Fashion Category Producer of Soya Awards

Got a call during the week from the delightful and (my own career crush) Jess Scully who is creative director of the Soya Awards - a brilliant initiative by Qantas to encourage creativity in the youth of Australia. I really wish I had of known about this when I was growing up within my career as I would have jumped at the chance!

Jess asked me to be the Fashion Category Producer of the Soya Awards which basically requires me to source some great design talent and help get the word out about the Soya Awards and then select 10 finalists from all of the entries.

So, are you a budding fashion or accessories designer? Or perhaps a craftsperson or stylist? Are you interested in winning $10,000 and a mentorship with Zimmermann?

With past winners including Akina, Friedrich Gray and ANT!PODiUM, this is one serious competition open to students and emerging designers who want to get ahead!

So.. this is what to do.

1. Go to the Soya website and follow the application questions and upload examples of your work.
2. Add some info about stockists, media coverage, participation in events or fashion shows, study etc
3. DONE ... its that easy!

Only catch - do it by July 31st 2009. That means 3 weeks till deadline! So get your project runway/stylish behind into gear and get entering!

iSpyStyle is live!

So finally the website platform of my new business venture "iSpyStyle" is live! Soft launched on Friday 3rd July. Already a lot of interest, traffic and signups which is comforting!

iSpyStyle was created to establish a community between like-minded individuals who share a passion for the creative design industry. We wanted to begin a resource that would “spy” on the industry with insightful, educational interviews and connect the established industry leaders with the emerging design talent of the future.

Our aim is to offer a resource that searches the globe to collate relevant industry data associated with design from both a creative and business viewpoint, interpreting the results for the Australian market.

iSpyStyle also offers a consultancy for brands that wish to re-evaluate their online, marketing or branding strategy.

So make sure you check it out, tell your friends and send us your feedback, so we can make it even bigger and better.

Check it out.