EVERY EDITION RAGTRADER CATCHES UP WITH A PREVIOUSLY FEATURED LABEL TO CHART ITS DEVELOPMENT OVER THE INTERVENING PERIOD. HERE BELINDA SMART TALKS TO MELBOURNE FASHION DESIGNER JENNY BANNISTER.

Name: Merline Tan McGregor

Described as one of the great small cities of the world and one of the most beautiful and liveable cities in Australia - Hobart, nestled between Mt Wellington and the Derwent River, seems to have it all.

NATIONAL:A creditor of collapsed corporatewear chain Herringbone has confirmed speculation the business could soon be purchased by a German retailer.

SYDNEY: Rodd & Gunn has announced plans to open a flagship store in the new International Terminal (T1) at Sydney Airport.

SYDNEY: Undercoverwear (UCW) is struggling to maintain its previous trading levels due to tightening economic conditions and difficulty attracting new sales consultants.

NATIONAL: Shopping centre giant Westfield has delivered strong underlying earnings despite the slackening trading environment.

SYDNEY: A series of seminars at upcoming trade fair Fashion Exposed looks set to give industry players much needed direction amid the softening economy.

SYDNEY: Wool research and promotion body Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has appointed the former head of the Woolmark Company as its new CEO.

NATIONAL: Pacific Brands is set to slash 1850 jobs and shut down its manufacturing operations in Australia, heralding far-reaching implications for local industry.

MELBOURNE: British streetwear label Henleys is set to amp up its Australasian presence by opening a flagship store in Melbourne.

NATIONAL: Prominent fashion designers have issued a condemnatory warning to young players against aligning their fortunes to department stores and fashion shows.

MELBOURNE: Victorian textile company Melba Industries has been placed in voluntary receivership.

MELBOURNE: Embattled wholesale group Mercury Brands has posted a $5.2 million half year loss.

SYDNEY: High end eco fashion and lifestyle textile producer Bird has made a bid to further its sustainability.

GOLD COAST: Billabong has recorded a seven per cent slide in first half net profits to $82.4 million, partially offset by favourable movements in the exchange rate.