It has been a whirlwind few years for bec & bridge since Bec Cooper and Bridget Yorston graduated from Fashion and Textiles at Sydney University in 2003 with first class honours and were propelled into the spotlight in 2006 when David Jones offered them a space alongside other reputable young designers on the shop floors.
The dynamic duo now have another feather in their caps after winning the 2010 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship which will provide them with freight to the value of AU$10,000 and coaching in freight and logistics from DHL Express.
Style Palace has been a proud stockist of bec & bridge since 2008 and took the time this week to congratulate the girls on their win and have a quick chat to Bridget Yorston, Creative Director, who was very pleased to have won the scholarship.
‘We’ve been exporting to Asia, USA and New Zealand for two years now and in terms of business growth this is a focus of ours. Our latest collection shown at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week captured the attention of international buyers, including those from the UK and Dubai. Winning the scholarship has come at the perfect time as it will help us to meet this increasing demand.’
‘We are very excited about the $10,000 prize package particularly the coaching and support from DHL which will help us take full advantage of this opportunity.’
Although bec & bridge’s market is currently more than 90% from within Australia, the opportunity to increase their profile within countries such as the US is an exciting prospect.
‘I think the US will be a strong focus for us. We have some good stockists and our designs translate well into their market but we want to take baby steps and ensure we don’t grow too fast.’
When asked if international trends and preferences influence their designs, Bridge noted it has always been about Australian style for the label.
‘The Australian market has always been our focus and we feel like that is what makes us unique to the international market and gives us a distinct point of difference.’
Style Palace is a staunch supporter of Australian style and asked Bridge what she thought made Australian fashion so special.
‘I think it has a real ease about it, it is wearable, fresh, and has a lot of variety. The Australian fashion industry has a great stable of designers who are able to cater to a wide range of markets and I think Australian designers just have a great approach to things.’
The bec & bridge label has certainly been a consistently popular choice with Style Palace customers and many items from the winter collection have been flying out the door, in particular the Lattice Fence Blazer, the Game Day Dress and the Bon Bon Dress.
‘My favourite piece was the Lattice Fence Blazer – I had so much wear out of it. This winter was really a sports inspired collection and we were looking to make sportswear cool and wearable.’
Bridge also noted there was plenty to look forward to from their upcoming summer 10/11 collection which will be available online from August this year.
‘The colour palette will be a feature this summer with beautiful pastels and gorgeous summer prints. The collection is quite feminine.’
But Bridge encourages Style Palace customers not to be afraid to mix it up.
‘Mix your feminine style with something a little more edgy and don’t take your summer wardrobe too seriously. Pair a military style jacket with a feminine dress and don’t be afraid to mix your silhouettes.’
To shop bec & bridge online at Style Palace, visit http://www.stylepalace.com.au/products/designer/bec-and-bridge
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Award Finalists with Judge
Kirsty Lawrence, Glenn Coleman, Bec Cooper, Nicola Finetti, Bridget Yorston
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