To be frank

The biggest markets are overseas

Yes we know its a bit daunting in the beginning. If you are an emerging designer and are looking for ways to break into the global export market then this is the program for you.   

The Australian Fashion Export Cluster is a pilot program which launched in NSW on the 25th of March at the MLC Centre in Sydney. Its aim is to support SMEs through collaboration and action learning ie. learning while doing. It supports designers to find their point of difference around ethics, sustainability and servicing the green consumer to get a foot in the door with overseas buyers. The cluster will be directed by its members, and while we (TFIA and our supporters Industry and Investment NSW and Austrade) provide the framework, the schedule of membership benefits & activities will be developed and directed by you, the members. Some of the benefits of membership include:

  • Attendance at four workshops each year, to help members get "export ready"
  • Learning how to access international buyers
  • Collaborative marketing initiatives
  • Annual membership of the TFIA
  • Access to local Ethical Clothing Australia accredited manufacturers
  • and many more...

For successful AFEC program members, there will be a joining fee of $150 (plus GST) to cover their Australian Fashion Export Cluster participation (financial year 2010/11). This will also entitle AFEC members to free Associate membership of the TFIA's Australian Fashion Council for 2010/11.

Applicants are invited to click on the link below for the application form, which should be sent via email to Paula Rogers by 25th May 2010.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION 

 

 

Paula Rogers

CLUSTER LEADER

Paula Rogers has 25 years experience in international TCF supply chain management, where her career was kicked off with a 4 year stint in manufacturing for one of Marks & Spencer's largest UK manufacturers. While living and working in Hong Kong, she managed the compliance, production & quality operations of 6000 factories in 80 countries, for Li & Fung Trading PLC - working with many of the world's largest fashion brands & retailers. Over the past 5 years, she has worked with one of the largest NGOs in the world, based in Bangladesh, developing an international platform for their 65000 fair trade artisans. Now based in Sydney, as Industry Liaison for the Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia, Paula works with industry, governments and organisations pursuing transparency, sustainability & accountability in Australian supply chains.

Christine Gibbs Stewart

FACILITATOR

Christine Gibbs Stewart has over twenty years experience in international business and export development. She has recently set up her own consulting company, Business Without Borders, and specialises in helping companies to become more globally competitive. 

Andy Baker

SPEAKER

Andy Baker is a strategic planning and consumer research specialist and co-founder of the Mobium Group. Mobium Group assists organisations make decisions about issues and market opportunities related to sustainability and technology. Their 'Living LOHAS Report' has been described as the benchmark in Australia on purchasing trends and consumer attitudes in the green sector.

John Condilis

SPEAKER

With twenty years experience developing their denim laundry, brothers Nick and John Condilis branched out to launch their Nobody jeans label in 1999. Creating their own tools and techniques for hand treating and customising denim provides the inspiration for one of the world's finest five pocket jeans. By staying true to their beliefs in quality, Nobody has struck a chord with denim aficionados all over the world. 

Felicity McDonald

SPEAKER

Felicity McDonald is the PR and Communications Manager for The Merino Company (TMC). TMC provides natural fibre, textile and apparel solutions to the world's leading retailers and brands, with the overall aim of providing stable and sustainable returns to all participants in the supply chain. Felicity recently represented TMC at the Australian Bureau of Research Economics (ABARE) Outlook 2010 Conference in Canberra, presenting in the Fibres session.  

Sarah Pavillard

SPEAKER

Sarah Pavillard is director and co-founder of frockaholics.com. Having commenced her career as a Weapons Engineer in the Royal Australian Navy, Sarah's career trajectory in the ragtrade has been anything but normal. A frockaholic herself, two and a half years ago Sarah combined her love of fashion, her passion for the online medium and her systems engineering skills to co-create frockaholics.com, Australia's fastest growing designer fashion e-boutique. Sarah has now extended her passion for e-tail by creating The Paviss Group, a boutique fashion e-tail consultancy firm that assists small fashion brands and retailers take their offering online. Follow Sarah on Twitter @ twitter.com/Frockaholics