Big girls

FORTITUDE VALLEY: Queensland-based distributor Big Girls Don't Cry has launched an exclusive new range of tank tops for larger sizes. The tops, which originate from Canada, have a built in bra with adjustable straps and hooks, and eye back closure. Priced at points between $79 and $89, the collection is available in sizes ranging from sizes 12 to 10, B to G cups. For more: biggirls.com.au/cami.

:Growth markets
FRANKFURT: Fur & Fashion Frankfurt 2006, the 58th international fair for garments made from leather, fur and material mixes will focus on growth markets in Central Europe, Russia and the Far East. The event - to take place from March 9 to 12 2006 in Frankfurt - will feature 14,000 square metres of display space dedicated to trade players including leather dealers, dressers, dyers and manufacturers of fur, leather and mixed material clothing and accessories. Expo organisers expect more than 7000 trade visitors, who will have the choice of writing orders or purchasing directly from the stands.

:Henn & Hoo first
MELBOURNE: Emerging top-end womenswear manufacturer Henn & Hoo will launch a flagship store in central Melbourne in December. Located in Howey Place in Melbourne, the boutique will stock the company's latest collection of knicker-bokers, jackets and day and evening dresses for women aged 20 to 40. Retail price points for the in-store collection will range from $199 to $550.

:Gowings woes
Struggling menswear retail Gowings has held a meeting of creditors in a bid to further assess the company's financial position. The news comes after the company appointed Peter Yates and David Lombe of Deloitte as voluntary administrators after plans to sell the business to Lowes Manhattan fell through. The company will continue to trade as normal while it conducts its financial evaluation.

:Olsen twins update
SYDNEY: US-based apparel brand mary-kateandashley, founded by teen superstars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, has teamed with fabric and craft brand Spotlight Australia to add three new categories to their range of bedroom accessories and home products. The new products will be available in stores from November 26.