FEATURES

Think Outside the Fear

(New Zealand) - In 2009, a number of ragtraders fell off the rails, which is really no different from years gone by. Remember Warnock’s and Dress for Less? The industry has always seen dynamic change at intervals – great lurches as opposed to gradual shifts. As a non-ragtrader looking in from the outside, passion remains strong in the industry among those who have survived. New Zealand has a lot of really good world-class operators right across the apparel and textile supply-chain - BY GEOFF MERZ - (April, 2010) ... read more>>

An Industry Game Plan

(New Zealand) - There’s no mistaking that the industry is a highly interdependent ecosystem. But, this little pond has seen more rape and pillage than perpetuation in recent years. At some stage, we all need to think about paying it forward, rather than passing the buck or trying to squeeze it out of the next guy in the supply chain - BY MAPIHI OPAI - (April, 2010) ... read more>>

Call for Nominations to the FINZ Board (2010/11)

(New Zealand) - Nominations to the board of Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) are now open ... FINZ is seeking positive, proactive, forward-thinking people, who are willing to volunteer the time, energy and expertise required for the organisation to accomplish its strategic goals and realise its full potential. So, if you have the skills to help take FINZ to the next level and assist the industry that it serves, please complete and return a nomination form by 5.00pm on Friday, 12 March, 2010 - (Feb, 2010) ... read more>>

The 'R-Word'

(New Zealand) - I’ve spoken to a lot of rag-traders over past 12 months. And, it’s fair to say that those who struggled when the going was good have had a hell of a time recently. These are the people that always seem to be battling with someone or something, which is supposedly never their fault. They can always find a reason to moan, point the finger and make excuses. There’s nothing like a recession to blame for a bad year and these are the guys who will tell you all about it - BY BLAIR MOORE (Jan, 2010) ... read more>>

Getting the Basics Right

(New Zealand) - I was talking to a good friend the other week. Interestingly, his business has remained buoyant and profit margins are good. But, something was still bothering him. Finally, he admitted: “People are just driving me crazy! We had a long talk about people management. I’m no qualified HR expert. But, after many years in business, I’m comfortable managing the daily needs of a company that employs more than 145 people. It seems to me that all of us would be better able to manage our staff if we just got the basics right - BY ANNAH STRETTON - (Jan, 2010) ... read more>>

The Fashion-Footwear Correlation

(New Zealand) - With the apparel industry under huge pressure at the moment, let’s spare a thought for New Zealand’s virtually non-existent footwear sector, which is several steps ahead of the ragtrade in terms of ‘cut price’ competition and the erosion of its domestic infrastructure. What parallels can be drawn between the two? And, is clothing destined to suffer a similar fate? - BY CUSHLA REED (Dec, 2009) ... read more>>

Greening-Up Fashion

(New Zealand) - For many years, the interface between fashion and the green movement has focused on a fairly narrow but important range of issues, such as textiles and, to a lesser degree, ethical purchasing and supply-chain issues. So far, so good. But, I'd like to explore ways that we can go even further than this and suggest that ideas such as 'reusing' what we already have and 'reducing' our overall consumption aren't necessarily at odds with a thriving fashion industry, which is largely geared towards the 'new' - BY MALCOLM RANDS - (Dec, 2009) ... read more>>

Fashion Futures: Is New Zealand Ready?

(New Zealand) - The fashion and textile industry is beginning to separate like oil and water, as smart, intelligent and conscience fashion producers and consumers usher in a backlash against choice fatigue, poor quality, dumb design, the churn and greenwash - BY DR. JOAN FARRER - FINZ Board Member and Professor of Fashion & Textiles (AUT) - (June, 2009) ... read more>>

Fashion Industry Needs Better Management Skills

(New Zealand) - Even in the best of economic times, too many businesses in the fashion industry have operated with marginal profitability and only a few have broken through to become globally competitive. While much has been said about the loss of production skills, as manufacture moved offshore and businesses failed, not enough has been made of the lack of management skills within the fashion industry - BY DIANNE LUDWIG - FINZ Board Member and Industry Advisor - (June, 2009) ... read more>>

FINZ Export Survey

(New Zealand) - FINZ is taking steps towards making market entry easier for New Zealand fashion/apparel exporters. Exporting presents all sorts of challenges, which begin with finding industry-specific information about offshore markets. What export markets are you looking to enter? What type of information are you looking for? - Business planning and financing? Sales and pricing? Marketing and media strategies? Distribution, duties and taxes?

Your feedback is important to FINZ and directly influences the work that we do. Tell us what you need by completing this quick multi-choice online questionnaire - (it only takes five minutes) ... Take the Survey Now

Business As Unusual

(New Zealand) - In this recession infested climate, customers crave value. They want to be able to wear it in three years time, they want it to be versatile, and they want it in black. It’s time to give them what they want and, by doing so, get some deep orders from retailers. It's a triple-win philosophy; each and every design needs to represent a win for the retailer, a win for you and especially a win for the end customer. By Kat Gee, FINZ board member and KAGI jewellery designer - (May, 2009) ... read more>>

The Wholesale Roundabout

(New Zealand) - FINZ talks to New Zealand clothing wholesalers to gauge what effect the economic downturn is having on the business of fashion ... "Retailers are very much focused on price and margins. They're looking for newness, but aren't actually buying newness," says a veteran Kiwi designer and exporter. "There's a lot of anxiety out there at the moment. The big question is: 'Will people be spending money on fashion this season?'" - (March, 2009) ... read more>>

Consistent Month-on-Month Growth for FINZ Online

(New Zealand) - The FINZ e-newsletter has been pivotal in driving traffic to our website. Over the past year, we've achieved consistent month-on-month growth in terms of unique visitors, which have risen from 1090 (January 2008) to 1965 (January 2009). These figures refer to the number of individuals who visited the FINZ website at least once within a 30-day period. The numbers show that people are returning to the FINZ website again-and-again, and that we increased our unique visitors by an average of 72 people each month over the past year - (March, 2009) ... read more>>

FINZ Welcomes New Board for 2009

(New Zealand) - FINZ is pleased to announce a new chairman and refreshed board for 2009, which promises to bring a whole lot of energy and enthusiasm to the organisation and its activities over the upcoming year. Paul Blomfield (whose industry experience spans publishing, government, consultancy, event management and PR) steps in as newly elected chairman for 2009 - (March, 2009) ... read more>>

Coming to Terms with the Play

(New Zealand) - As the economy slows, ragtraders' margins are being squeezed and every dollar through the door means that much more. Pressure cooker conditions often bring about more disputes concerning the price, delivery, payment and return of goods. At times like these, it's a good idea to review your terms of trade, as well as those of your suppliers - (February, 2009) ... read more>>

WHK Gosling Chapman: FINZ Profitability Workshop

(new date) 4.30-6.30pm / Wednesday, 11 February, 2009 / WHK Gosling Chapman Tower, Shortland Street, Auckland

(New Zealand) - FINZ (Fashion Industry New Zealand) and WHK Gosling Chapman have joined forces to deliver a workshop aimed at helping fashion-related firms to understand and analyse financial data, and use this information to develop business management strategies to improve profitability. As the economy slows down, it's more important than ever to review your business and develop strategies for survival. This workshop is free to FINZ members - (January, 2009) ... read more>>

James & Wells : FINZ IP Workshop (I)

9.30-11.00am / Thursday, 19 February, 2009 / James & Wells Tower, Ellerslie, Auckland

(New Zealand) - FINZ (Fashion Industry New Zealand) and James & Wells Intellectual Property have teamed up to deliver a workshop that addresses the fundamentals of protecting and enforcing your intellectual property, both in New Zealand and Australia. Establishing a brand can be a long and challenging process. Find out everything you need to know about heading overseas, including the likely costs involved. This workshop is free to FINZ members - (January, 2009) ... read more>>

Call for Nominations to the FINZ Board for 2009

(New Zealand) - Nominations are now open for positions on the board of Fashion Industry New Zealand. Both the nominator and the nominee must be fully paid FINZ members in good standing. The current term of appointment is one-year, with serving board members eligible for re-election. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 30 January, 2009 - (January, 2009) ... read more>>

DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship: The Winners Revealed

(New Zealand) - New Zealand's hottest up-and-coming fashion exporters were announced at an awards ceremony marking the inaugural DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship; a programme established in collaboration between DHL Express and Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ). The big winners on the night were the lads from Stolen Girlfriends Club, with Salasai and Jimmy D named as finalists - (December, 2008) ... read more>>

What's In An Award?

(New Zealand) - It's a real 'pick-me-up' for anyone to be on the winning end of an award, particularly in fashion; a competitive industry that demands real blood, sweat and tears in those formative years. Come to think of it, that never actually stops. But, an official decree that you're at the top of your game definitely helps take the edge off the pain - (December, 2008) ... read more>>

The Tipping Point

(New Zealand) - In these times of widespread economic uncertainty, 'difficult retail environments', 'rising costs' and 'local infrastructure' are three key areas of concern for Kiwi ragtraders. However, as we near yet another major tipping point, shouldn't we be looking further ahead? Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) recently invited its members to convey the key issues facing their businesses. And, the responses, while minimal, were very much consistent with anecdotal industry feedback gathered through our day-to-day activities - (November, 2008) ... read more>>

U.S Joins Trans-Pacific Agreement

(New Zealand) - New Zealand has welcomed the announcement that the US will enter into comprehensive free trade agreement negotiations to become a full partner to the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement; also referred to as P4. With free trade negotiations about to begin, Fashion Industry New Zealand is calling for recommendations and feedback regarding rules of origin and market access for clothing and textiles, to be included in an industry submission - (November, 2008) ... read more>>

Judges Confirmed For DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship

(New Zealand) - DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, is delighted to confirm four of New Zealand’s top fashion and exporting industry leaders as judges for the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship. Entries close this week, on Friday, 21 November, 2008 - (November, 2008) ... read more>>

ANZFW: The Evolution of New Zealand Fashion

(New Zealand) - 'Keeping things tight' was something of a mantra for buyers in their approach to purchasing for A/W-09. For most, this translates as tighter stock control and axing any labels that aren't performing in today's soft market. Traditionally, an economic recession would signal a 'return to basics'. But, that's no longer the case, according to one Australian buyer - (September, 2008) ... read more>>

ANZFW Runway: Key Trends for A/W-09

(New Zealand) - 'Structure': The modern challenge is to be bold and creative. A trend that takes its inspiration from the energy, elegance and architecture of contemporary cities, such as Shanghai or Dubai. After a lengthy 'casual cool' phase, it's time to straighten-up and embrace sculptural forms. A new lesson in luxury and glamour, with bewitching appeal - (September, 2008) ... read more>>

A Decade Behind on the 'Sustainable' Curve

(New Zealand) - Seasoned British ragtrader come professor of fashion, textiles and sustainability, Dr Joan Farrer, has been at the forefront of the sustainable movement in the U.K. Having recently relocated to New Zealand, she continues to pose the question that has proved to be the impetus of her career: “How can you be sustainable in fashion?” - (September, 2008) ... read more>>

Inaugural 'DHL Express: Fashion Export Scholarship'

(New Zealand) - DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, is seeking emerging fashion exporters to enter the inaugural 'DHL Express: Fashion Export Scholarship'. The scholarship aims to identify New Zealand's hottest up-and-coming fashion exporter and assist them in achieving international growth. Entrants are asked to complete an official application and submit a design portfolio, which will be judged by fashion industry leaders - (September, 2008) ... read more>>

Where is Fashion Going?

(New Zealand) - End of season sales kicked-off early this winter, with aggressive discounting seen across the board. Even so, consumers are nervous and disinclined to part with their money. In fact, everyone is nervous. In New Zealand, clothing retail sales are down six percent from March last year and ragtraders are pointing to 2008 being one of the most difficult years on the record. At the top of the food chain, retailers are putting increased pressure on suppliers, demanding better prices to protect their own end-of-season margins as they prepare to write-down more stock - (August, 2008) ... read more>>

The Future of Fashion

(New Zealand) - Industry and tertiary fashion experts will gather at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic next month for a thought provoking two-day fashion education conference organised by Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ). Now entering its seventh year, the ‘HP: FINZ Education Conference’ provides a national forum for the exchange of new ideas and perspectives on fashion education at tertiary level. “This year we’ll look at ‘The Future of Fashion’ within a local and global context; examining emerging technology and fresh approaches to education and the business of fashion,” says Mapihi Opai, executive officer at FINZ - (July, 2008) ... read more>>

Feeling The Squeeze

(New Zealand) - Small-to-medium sized fashion suppliers on both sides of the Tasman are said to be finding it increasingly difficult to collect payment. During this period of economic uncertainty, what should ragtraders be doing to protect their bottom line? - (June, 2008) ... read more>>

NZ-China FTA: What Does It Mean For Kiwi Ragtraders?

(New Zealand) - The general feeling is that the NZ-China FTA provides the considerably larger party with a testing ground of sorts for future trade agreements. But, from an initial glance, the document appears to be fairly well-balanced, with clear and concise rules, and regulations - (April, 2008) ... read more>>

Kiwi CMTs: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

(New Zealand) - New Zealand clothing manufacturers are finding it harder and harder to compete with China. And, the fact of the matter is that the industry can expect to see local CMTs closing their doors over the next 12 months if something doesn’t change - (April, 2008) ... read more>>

Size and Shape Unknown

(New Zealand) - Only weeks into it and 2008 is already off to a bumpy start, with talk of a recession in the U.S and the global economy taking a nosedive. Here in New Zealand, high temperatures have helped sales of summer clothing along somewhat, but there’s no denying that these are uncertain times. General consensus among the industry is that companies need to work harder just to maintain their position and work even smarter to gain ground - (January, 2008) ... read more>>

FINZ Clothing Retail Q&A

(New Zealand) - We’ll be putting questions to clothing retailers regarding - their business, stores, labels, buying, sales, customers and marketing. What percentage of your stock sold at full retail price last season? Has your buying budget for the upcoming season increased or decreased? Are you currently looking to stock new labels? We strongly urge clothing retailers to participate in the 2008 FINZ Retail Survey - (February, 2008) ... read more>>

Textile Toxicity Untangled

(New Zealand) - Product recalls and allegations of dangerous levels of formaldehyde in clothing were a major cause of concern for Kiwi consumers and clothing producers alike in 2007. But, as they say, the truth always comes out in the wash ... the correct wash that is - (16 January, 2008) ... read more>>

Fashionable Fiat 500 scoops Fifth Gear Award

It’s attracted widespread critical acclaim, created an astonishing degree of interest and now the very fashionable new Fiat 500 is starting to collect awards. The latest of these comes from Fifth Gear, the weekly British motoring show, which has just crowned the Fiat 500 as its Best Small Car of the Year - (16 January, 2008) ... read more>>

The Broader Perspective Of Design

(New Zealand) - FINZ hosted its sixth annual fashion education conference at Massey University in Wellington, with the support of Textiles New Zealand and Deane Apparel. This year's theme - "The Broader Perspective of Design" - examined different commercial approaches to product development.

“Design involves more than simply creating a product. It also has to encompass the marketing of that item,” said Gerard Smith, designer at Icebreaker. “If someone understands how to market a product from its conception, it’s ultimately going to sell better," - (10 October, 2007) ... read more>>

Northern Exposure

(New Zealand) - The current climate is serving up a turbulent mishmash of highs-and-lows, with the strong Kiwi dollar trailing a series of challenging fronts - (20 August, 2007) ... read more>>

The Inzone Experience

(New Zealand) - The public face of fashion is an attractive proposition for teens when it comes to choosing a career or course of study. But, the fact remains that very few school leavers are aware of what awaits them in the industry - (06 July, 2007) ....read more >>

A Piece of the Pie

(New Zealand) - Has fashion retail in New Zealand reached saturation point? If the line-up of new entrants and pace of retail development is anything to go by, the answer is ‘not yet’.

In the past 18 months, Auckland has seen several new retail developments, including Newmarket’s uber-fashionable Nuffield Street and the colossal Sylvia Park shopping complex in Mt Wellington. And, this overhaul of our retail landscape is showing no signs of slowing. - (18 June, 2007) ....read more >>

Stuck in the Middle with You

(New Zealand) - With costs rising on one side, price pressure mounting on the other, and a slowing economy ahead - how are Kiwi ragtraders feeling about the big squeeze?

It may be the focus of much media attention, but the high New Zealand dollar is something of a non-issue for firms I’ve spoken with.

“The rise is geared against the U.S dollar, so it hasn’t had much of an impact on our biggest export market [Australia] and we have the benefit of being able to purchase fabric at better prices. Besides, smart operators buy forward cover,” says an established exporter. High or low, the thing that exporters and importers alike really want to see is more stability in the Kiwi dollar. - (25 May, 2007) ....read more>>

AFW: Making Headlines for the Wrong Reasons?

(Sydney) - Among those lamenting the absence of big names at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week - (such as Alannah Hill, Collette Dinnegan, Scanlan & Theodore, Leona Edmiston and Wayne Cooper) - was Danny Avidan, founder of the Discovery Group. He clearly wasn't pleased with the 'new gen' direction organisers took this season and delivered this ‘fork-tailed’ quote to the Australian press: “I think Fashion Week is a great opportunity for new and emerging talent. But, for an established brand to participate is like Madonna going on American Idol.” - (04 May, 2007) .... read more >>

The Fire of London

(London) - John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and the like may have moved on, but London Fashion Week retains its reputation as a breeding ground of talent and hotbed of innovative ideas - (13 April, 2007) .... read more >>

Fashion Industry New Zealand chief executive, Mapihi Opai, recently visited London courtesy of The British Council.