NATIONAL: The Federal Government’s recently proposed Fair Work Bill will contain special provisions for outworkers. Announcing the bill on November 25 at Parliament House, deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Employment and Workplace relations Julia Gillard said the provisions recognised outworkers as "an acutely at-risk sector of the Australian workforce."

The five most read news stories on ragtrader.com.au in the past two weeks

Antipodium goes pro SYDNEY: Streetwear brand Antipodium is preparing an assault on the American market after taking out the top prize at Qantas's annual Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA).

SYDNEY: Luxury fashion designer Carl Kapp will utilise his recent win at the inaugural Chambord Shine Awards to promote his growing eveningwear division.

MELBOURNE: Women's high street chain Review has made another appearance in the federal court in Melbourne this time accusing both Redberry Enterprise and New Cover Group of copying its designs.

NATIONAL: Australian designers have remained resilient in the wake of a softening export market.

NATIONAL: Fashion brands with an online presence should expect a flurry of hits during the Christmas period, with analysts predicting a 25 to 38 per cent growth in clothing and apparel searches over December.

Western Australia has begun its ambitious challenge to replace Victoria as Australia's fashion capital after heading to the stage twice at the 2008 Ragtrader TNT Fashion Retailer of the Year Awards.

The Fashion Technicians Association of Australia (FTAA) has launched a definitive pattern guide for the womenswear sector.

Roll out continues FRANCE: Jeans apparel brand Abercrombie & Fitch is going ahead with plans to open flagship stores around the world despite posting a 46 per cent drop in earnings in its third quarter. The

NATIONAL: Australian textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) manufacturers are sceptical over claims they may benefit from the country's weakening dollar.

Niche retailers offering differentiated product and sharp promotions look set to thrive on surprisingly buoyant Christmas trade, as delineated in a recent survey.

"I could put some tulle on the bottom of a T-shirt and turn it into a 'tutee', a better fate than ending up as an industrial rag."

SYDNEY: A recent showcase staged by the Fashion Design Studio Tafe (Ultimo) has provided invaluable industry leads for emerging designer Seema Pun.

NATIONAL: Fashion brand Sportsgirl is defying the current mood of economic caution with plans to branch into standalone branded accessories stores.

Attendees of the Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Association (TTNA) annual conference have described collaboration with the fashion sector as key to a sustainable industry.