Among the countless very special inhabitants of Dubbo, African elephants, Indian rhinos and Sumatran tigers are probably among the most special.

Swimwear label White Sands has had a dream debut in the northern hemisphere.

Streetwear brand Zanerobe has dramatically ramped up its wholesale presence after extending its offering to incorporate new womenswear and suiting lines.

NATIONAL: Union officials will join fashion retail chief executives and CSIRO executives in the formation of a new panel charged with driving change within the textile footwear and apparel (TCF) sector.

SYDNEY: Creative evening gowns will take centre stage at the annual Sydney Institute Fashion Design Studio's eveningwear parade next month.

MELBOURNE: One designer departed and another resurfaced in the latest round of challenges faced by Project Runway Australia 2 contestants.

PERTH: Perth designers with studios full of material scraps and old sewing items have been asked to surrender the goods to assist a community project.

NATIONAL: Mimco is celebrating Barbie's 50th anniversary with a special collection, Barbie Loves Mimco.

NATIONAL: Launch Initiative, a Sydney based business which selects, manufactures and sells designs by emerging fashion designers, is soon to launch its summer 2009/10 collection.

MELBOURNE: Victorian-based chain Country Road has dominated proceedings at the 2009 ARA Australian Retail Awards.

NEW ZEALAND: United States retailer Brooks Brothers has struck a $100 million deal with a New Zealand-based wool marketing group.

MELBOURNE: Denimwear brand Levi's is set to expand its Victorian retail presence.

SYDNEY: French Connection is set to open a new store in Sydney International Airport in October.

MELBOURNE: Ten emerging designers have been awarded the right to have their interpretation of the little black dress go on display as part of the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) schedule.

NATIONAL: Premier Investments, owner of Just Group Limited, announced today it expects its 2009 financial year profit before income tax to be better than initially forecast.

MELBOURNE: Sportsgirl's flagship store in Bourke Street Melbourne has been short-listed as a finalist for the UK Retail Interior Awards 2009.