Townsville-based designer keeps Queensland in fashion overseas

Townsville’s fashion industry has received a boost with local designer, Katelyn Aslett, producing a strong showing at a major fashion event in the United States of America.

Fresh from her foray into New York’s fashion scene as part of G’Day USA Australia Week 2009, Katelyn Aslett has returned to Townsville, and met with Minister for Trade John Mickel today to discuss Queensland fashion exporting challenges and opportunities.

“Katelyn Aslett came to the field of clothing design in 2005 and has already established markets for her fashion ranges in the USA, Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Singapore and New Zealand,” Mr Mickel said.

“Meeting with Katelyn Aslett today gave me a chance to get a first hand look at her exciting fashion range, which helped her to win a Townsville Regional Export Award in 2006, and to gain a better understanding of what is required to run and promote an international fashion operation in North Queensland.

“I sincerely congratulate Katelyn on her success in New York. She received an invitation to showcase at the Fashion Showroom event featuring a select group of Australian designers who utilise a minimum of 50% Australian Merino Wool in their collections.

“Held over two days, the event was attended by major US retail buyers including representatives from Barneys, Barneys Co-op, Searle and Henri Bendel, along with fashion media Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Elle.com, Marie Claire, InStyle, Lucky and Women's Wear Daily.

“As a result of her showcase, Katelyn Aslett has attracted the interest of a number of buyers and an agent in the USA, provided samples to a Canadian buyer and even sold some of her product to those in attendance. She is now planning a second US visit this year to build on the market understanding, the relationships and contacts she established through participating in the G’Day USA event.

“Fashion bloggers are already writing about her and she is also managing media interest from a prominent US travel magazine wishing to feature her in a cover story,” Mr Mickel said.

Katelyn Aslett’s participation in the New York event showcasing her winter collection Joyful was supported by Queensland Governor, Her Excellency Penelope Wensley AO.

The Joyful collection includes the Cardigan Collection of re-dyed and recycled wool and adaptations on Katelyn’s Origami Wraps, and the new Many Petalled Skirt, which is well suited to New York’s cold winters.

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