business in brief
Kiri Nathan for Annah Stretton debut International Women's Day on March 8 marked an important day
for acclaimed evening wear designer, Kiri Nathan, as she launched her latest collection 'When Two Worlds Collide'. After collaborating for the last six months with influential fashion designer and successful entrepreneur, Annah Stretton, Nathan debuted her collection at the home of the British High Commissioner, Vicki Treadell. In the true spirit of artisan couture, Nathan uses numerous
techniques to manipulate fabrics and create texture and volume within the collection of 10 exquisitely hand-crafted gowns. There is an emphasis on placement and draping, and the fabrics enfold the body whilst allowing beautiful fluid movement. 'When Two Worlds Collide' embraces a full-bodied palette of
romantic reds, forest greens and royal purples, both timeless and relevant for global women season after season. There is no age barrier; Kiri's gowns are for those who appreciate the drama of floor sweeping elegance and a simple silhouette. The collaboration is part of Stretton's ongoing 'Nurture' strategy.
Stretton has long been involved in developing business capability with her involvement in Her Business Networks and as publisher of Her Magazine. Now after 20 years in the local fashion industry she has come full circle to lend her weight to fledgling designers, to
build a culture of design and business excellence in New Zealand. www.annahstretton.co.nz www.kirinathan.co.nz
New Zealanders return to the stores The value of total transactions advanced 1 percent
to a seasonally adjusted $5.45 billion in January with more money spent across all industries, according to Statistics New Zealand. That follows monthly declines in the previous two periods. Spending on core retail industries, which strips out motor-vehicle related expenditure, climbed 1 percent to $3.37 billion. Spending on apparel reported the biggest gain, up
2.1 percent to $281 million, followed by a 1.6 percent increase in vehicle spending to $109 million, and a 0.5 percent rise in consumables to $1.47 billion. Spending on durables rose 0.4 percent to $1 billion, while hospitality advanced 0.3 percent to $606 million and spending on fuel rose 0.1 percent to $635 million. Spending on services climbed 1.2 percent to $168 million, while non-retail industries rose 1.1 percent to
$1.12 billion. Source: BusinessDesk 2012
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Photos courtesy of David Henderson
