Joint collaboration

SYDNEY: Funky fashion label Lover has joined forces with denim giant Levi's to create a limited edition range of jeans. Due for release in early 2006, trademark Lover details such as oversized buttons, contrast stitching and Lover monogram fabric waistbands customise Levi's popular Tuff Skinny drain
:Label's new birth
MELBOURNE: Popular baby and maternity wear label Frou Frou is going from strength to strength, opening its first franchise store and adding a new selection of semi precious jewellery to its offerings. The label, which recently celebrated its 13th birthday, has also added a range of day and evening womenswear to its collection to accommodate the "pregnant and non-pregnant" market. For more: froufrou.com.au

:DJ's drop
SYDNEY: Department store David Jones has cited a softening in consumer spending for a 3.1 per cent drop in sales revenue for the quarter ending October 2005. Chief executive Mark McInnes said the sales performance was in line with forecasts for a three to four per cent decline in first quarter sales and noted the group did not encounter anything it had not anticipated. McInnes said sales in womenswear, cosmetics and accessories were flat on the previous year, giving the group confidence in its annual profit position.

:Dunedin designers
NEW ZEALAND: Following similar moves by Australian fashion promoters, the Dunedin Fashion Incubator is seeking to take its rising designers to the world via a new virtual store. The store launches with three labels - Keucke, aduki and charmaine reveley - with DFI clients Red Papaya, Firefly and Grace being stocked from early next year. For more: dfi-store.co.nz

:Model dropped
SYDNEY: Former Antz Pantz model and convicted drug user Michelle Leslie has been dropped by her modelling agency Chic Management. In a statement released to media late last week (November 24), Chic confirmed it had terminated Leslie's contract the previous day, but failed to state why it had decision. For her part, Leslie insisted she had resigned from the agency.