U.S. export drive for N.Z. fashion

Press, 24 June 1986, Page 16

U.S. export drive for N.Z. fashion

By

JOHN HUTCHISON,

in San Francisco

New Zealand “has its foot in the door” for a new push into the women’s fashion market in the United States.

The phrase was used by Ms Robin Davidson, the New Zealand, trade commissioner here. It was her way of saying that a group of designer apparel firms moved early enough to assure themselves of space in the Golden Gate Apparel Show, opening the way for greater participation next year. “We couldn’t get in last year; there was a long waiting list,” she explains.

The commission’s marketing officer, Ms Christy Nordskog, is an American with experience in the fashion trade in California. She will

visit New Zealand in October to familiarise herself with the apparel export opportunities at the 1987 show. She will stress the need for early commitments to take part.

Exhibitors this year included Ewe and You handknits, some of them designed by Wellingtonian, Lee Anderson; handknits of the New Zealand Wool Company, designed by Karen Badgley, of San Francisco, and items from Stylemaster and McCauls, New Zealand firms.

There is potential for long-term growth in New Zealand apparel here, and an opportunity now to acquire more space in the next show, says Robin Davidson.