NATIONAL: A powerful business venture between streetwear supplier Bleach and Quicksilver Europe founder Harry Hodge was formed during the thick of Ksubi Group's financial woes, it has been revealed.

PERTH: A group of emerging fashion designers have been sponsored to exhibit at trade fair Fashion Exposed.

SYDNEY: Department store Myer is preparing to capitalise on Valentine's Day spending with a live spectacle at its CBD store today.

NATIONAL: David Jones has increased its 2009/10 profit guidance in the wake of strong like-for-like sales in the October to January sales period.

SYDNEY: Central Sydney is set for more fashion retail options, with the MidCity shopping precinct due to open on March 23.

AUCKLAND: New Zealand power brands Zambesi, Trelise Cooper, Annah Stretton and Kate Sylvester are hoping to lure consumers to the inaugural Auckland Fashion Festival (AFF) next month.

NATIONAL: Clothing and intimate apparel brands are expected to reap the benefits of increased spending over Valentine's Day, according to industry analysts.

SYDNEY: Indie rock and roll inspired label Saint Augustine Academy is striving into 2010 with a concentrated focus on the US market.

NATIONAL: Myer has announced a two per cent increase in total sales for the first half of the 2009/10 financial year, despite a "disappointing" December.

NATIONAL: Streetwear brand Insight has revealed the concept behind its new Bali flagship store, as its parent company continues in its bid to acquire the embattled Ksubi business.

BRISBANE: Boutique shoe brand Vein Wear has announced the finalists of its first shoe competition, with the winner set to have their design manufactured and sold.

MELBOURNE: The Myer board has announced the appointment of a new non-executive director, effective today.

BRISBANE: Streetwear label Vanguard is surging forth with plans to break into the US market, viewing it as the most likely source of growth for the brand.

NATIONAL: Davenport are set to introduce a glowing point of difference into its women's underwear range.

QUEENSLAND: Emerging designer George Wu has debuted a capsule of collection of hand-made accessories as part of his autumn/winter 2010 collection.

Boutique footwear labels are gaining serious ground in the Australian market, as revealed in Ragtrader magazine's recent shoe report. Chris McCallum, founder of Queensland-based brand Vein Wear, reveals his production secrets.