Alex Perry (TP) Once again proving his loyalty to a certain corporate sponsor, Alex Perry set nerves awry after announcing he intended staging his autumn/winter 2009 collection at the Electrolux showroom in Sydney's Mascot. Despite the steer away from the traditional fashion pack haunts, guests - among them jewellery designer Samantha Wills - soon put their concerns after realising all the usual Perry princess treats were still on offer.

Blame it on Beijing? Assia Benmedjdoub discovers fashion's new obsession with sporty fibres and fabrics.

Sportswear suppliers are always on the hunt for the latest in performance fabric technology. Ragtrader asked research institute CSIRO to break down some of their latest breakthroughs.

Why should sportswear labels have all the fun? Ragtrader asks Australian fabric suppliers why fashion designers are playing with performance fabrics.

Australian manufacturers in the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry face significant challenges in remaining competitive in a global economy. Kerryn Caulfield questions whether the recent review into Australia's TCF sector will help businesses rise to the challenge.

Professor Roy Green has made some important recommendations in his recent report, but the Rudd government must go further to secure a vital and vibrant TCF industry for Australia, writes Michele O'Neil.

Fiscal fears made for a sparser than usual attendance at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on the part of Aussie designers, but for those intrepid enough to make the trip, the rewards were there for the taking, writes Belinda Smart.

I hear your frustration - trust me. Each pitch has been signed off by [the designer in question] before we contact you and then she changes her mind or can't respond because she is busy - there are a number of reasons. All I can do is apologise on her behalf.

She made her mark as the owner of a Perth fashion house but these days earns a penny culling orphans for fun. Fraser McEwing talks to a stylist with a difference.

Every edition Ragtrader catches up with a previously profiled brand to see how it has evolved in the intervening period. Here Assia Benmedjdoub talks to Nick Ennis, co-founder of streetwear label Nique.

In 1851 gold was discovered near Ballarat and the influx of over 10,000 miners in less than a year transformed it from a pastoral town into Victoria's largest city. With such a history it is not surprising the locals today still have an excellent nose for good offers. "My customers are looking for high quality and good value for their money", says Stryde owner Sarah Knowles. Male and female professionals aged 30 and older frequent her shoe and accessories boutique in Sturt Street.

MELBOURNE: Womenswear label Portmans is gearing up for a rebranding exercise that looks set to include a new advertising strategy, updated logo, new brand imagery and fresh "face of" model identity. The Just Group-owned retailer is understood to be in talks with local advertising agencies with a view to setting a new direction for its campaigns.

<p>MELBOURNE: This weekend will see Spring Racing fever play out at Melbourne Central shopping centre with a series of parades. Centre manager Scott Meehan confirmed the catwalk event had been designed to promote the centre's 'Mix Don&rsquo;t Match' concept - with diverse fashion labels working together to create original spring racing looks.</p>

NATIONAL: Financial analysts have offered mixed opinions on the impact the credit crisis could have on Australia's luxury goods market. In an interview with <em>The Australian Financial Review </em>(AFR), JP Morgan chief economist Stephen Walters said luxury consumers would be hit hard by current conditions.

<p>SYDNEY: Seafolly has made its first venture into multi-brand retailing, purchasing Queensland swimwear chain Sunburn. The sale, for an undisclosed sum, will see the Anthony Halas-run label take over all 12 of Sunburn's stores, together with existing leases, brand names, copyright and stock.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

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