By the beginning of April 2014, you will be able to purchase the new winter collections from Australian brands Witchery and Mimco. They will be available in concessions in major Woolworths stores across the country as well as stand alone stores at the V+A Waterfront and Hyde Park. This was all announced at a spectacular event last week, which also saw Woolies take the opportunity to showcase the winter collections of existing favourites Country Road and Trenery. The major take-away from this event is that fashion in South Africa next winter is going to offer an overwhelming amount of choice, something to suit everyone.
Australian listed company, Country Road Limited, in which Woolworths has a controlling share, bought Witchery and Mimco recently. Now with a clear vision for who their market is, they will be entering our local market with guns blazing. Witchery has toughed up. Holding onto the luxurious detailing and quality fabrications, more modernity has been added, representing a much more realistic view of how a woman lives her life. With plenty of soft leather and lace it's an 'austere meets romantic combination' for next winter. Prices are at the upper end, but finish is excellent.
Mimco is a very well established accessories label in Australia. Their spectacular handbags, shoes, pearls and neckware all offer a bold statement on trends and are a great addition to what we have on offer currently in SA. The prices are not cheap, and the aesthetic is bold — so I am guessing it will play stronger in the major cities, especially Johannesburg, where dressers are a bit more risky.
I was also happy to see more adventure in the Trenery collection for next winter, and Country Road, as usual, offers us exactly what we all want in our wardrobes. Honestly, when you throw in Topshop and Zara, Gap and Banana Republic, we have so much international choice in our malls now it's ridiculous. Together with cool items from our local designers, our wardrobes have never looked as good or diverse as they will next winter. Awesome.
All photos SDR Photo courtesy of Woolworths
