The global recession is still having an effect on trends in fibres and fabrics, with understatement the overall theme and accessories providing the embellishments. Trend forecaster Eryn Behan tells Kate McDonald about emerging trends for spring/summer 2010/11.

No longer are organic fibres and fabrics the next big thing – they are now a staple of the clothing and textiles business. Kate McDonald spoke to local companies doing big things in organic cotton.

NATIONAL: Total sales figures released today reveal Myer has outperformed David Jones in the first quarter of the 2009/10 financial year.

NATIONAL: A chronic shortage of retail staff in New Zealand could overshadow the market's steady return to form, key Australian retailers have claimed.

NATIONAL: A chronic shortage of retail staff in New Zealand could overshadow the market's steady return to form, key Australian retailers have claimed.

NATIONAL: Esprit is preparing for an aggressive year in Australian retail with the roll out of new flagship stores and a revamped marketing strategy.

NATIONAL: Esprit is preparing for an aggressive year in Australian retail with the roll out of new flagship stores and a revamped marketing strategy.

MELBOURNE: A designer at work in the store window is among the initiatives Levi's will use to stand out from the competition when it opens its Chadstone store.

SYDNEY: Men's swimwear label aussieBum was awarded for its export success at the 2009 Premier's NSW Export Awards.

SYDNEY: Men's swimwear label aussieBum was awarded for its export success at the 2009 Premier's NSW Export Awards.

NATIONAL: The repercussions of Pacific Brands' move offshore are still being felt by local manufacturers, with Genevieve Yarn Dyers placed in voluntary administration in the wake of a trading slump.

NATIONAL: The repercussions of Pacific Brands' move offshore are still being felt by local manufacturers, with Genevieve Yarn Dyers placed in voluntary administration in the wake of a trading slump.

MELBOURNE: Milliners who rely on the spring racing season for a yearly income boost fought a fresh round of challenges this year.

MELBOURNE: Milliners who rely on the spring racing season for a yearly income boost fought a fresh round of challenges this year.

NEW ZEALAND: Icebreaker is taking its pursuit of product source transparency to a new level, adding socks to its online traceability programme.

NEW ZEALAND: Icebreaker is taking its pursuit of product source transparency to a new level, adding socks to its online traceability programme.