<p>NATIONAL: Witchery has announced a new fundraising initiative for ovarian cancer, the White Shirt Campaign. The womenswear retailer has created five crafted white tops to be sold instore, with 100 per cent of funds going directly to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), which it has supported for seven years.</p>

SYDNEY: Australian Muslim sportswear supplier Ahiida has scored an Olympic Games coup. The Sydney-headquartered label, famous for creating a Burqini swimsuit for Australian Muslim lifesavers, will dress short distance running champion Ruqaya Al Ghasara as she takes to the tracks in Beijing today.

NATIONAL: New Zealand headquartered jewellery retailer Michael Hill has bucked trends brought about by a depressed retail environment to post a record tax profit of $A20.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. The result is up from $A17.1 million profit for the same period last year.

MELBOURNE: Contestants on television reality show <em>Project Runway Australia</em> got a touch of stage fright after being asked to design a gown for American singer Kelly Rowland. The episode, which aired on Arena Television last night (August 18), saw Melbourne self-confessed &quot;frocker' Helen Manuell asked to leave the show after her design failed to impress the former Destiny's Child singer.

<p>NATIONAL: Sydney-based retro label AM Eyewear has joined the growing ranks of Sportsgirl suppliers, launching a limited edition eyewear line&nbsp;to be sold by the&nbsp;retailer. Available exclusively at Sportsgirl stores nationally, the range is made up of five different styles, each boasting frames made from high grade Italian acetate.</p>

SYDNEY: Fashion designer Peter Morrissey is preparing to re-enter the public spotlight. The Sydney-based Morrissey, who has largely remained under the radar since his brand was acquired by M Webster Holdings in late 2006, will take part in a large-scale marketing initiative for shopping giant Westfield.

<p>SYDNEY: Knitwear and &quot;fashion desirables&quot; specialist Pol has diversified into the accessories market for winter 09. The Pol accessories collection - comprising eight pieces including belts and bags - was designed to complement Pol's collection of printed knits, confirmed label founder and designer Sam Jones.</p>

<p>MELBOURNE: Fashion brand Decjuba - part of the Covert Fashions group - is putting its best foot forward for summer with the launch of its first footwear collection. A Decjuba spokesperson said the on-trend offering would comprise a range of sandals - including gladiator and classic styles - as well as high heeled pumps in peep toe and strap styles. </p>

<p>MELBOURNE: Fashion brands look set to benefit from the Victorian capital's latest discount shopping centre. The new Brand Junction outlet will open its doors on November 7, with swimming gold medallist Giaan Rooney officiating as the &quot;Face of Brand Junction&quot;. Catering primarily to Melbourne's upcoming northern suburbs, with over 100 brands offering up to 70 per cent off year round, the discount brand outlet centre is part of MAB Corporation's University Hill precinct. </p>

<p>MELBOURNE: Local high end retailers are preparing to showcase their spring summer collections at a parade in the Victorian capital's Collins Street Precinct on September 1. Dubbed The Collins Street Fashion Right on Track Show, the parade will kick off the 2008 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week program, scheduled to run from September 1 to 7.</p>

SYDNEY: Department store David Jones has increased its profit after tax (PAT) guidance for the second half of fiscal 2008, despite admitting the marketplace continued to show signs of &quot;volatility&quot;. The Sydney-headquartered company announced it had upped its PAT guidance to between $46 and $48 million, an increase of approximately 20 to 25 per cent over the same period last year.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />

NATIONAL: Underwear brand Jockey has released details of a new global design initiative which will see it roll out concession stores across major Australian department stores. The Pacific Brands-licensed label, which this year celebrates its 132nd birthday, will work collaboratively with Myer and David Jones to roll out the new retail image into their stores from September.

<p>SYDNEY: Specialty Fashion Group has announced strong full year results for the 12 months ended June 30 2008. The company&nbsp; - which is one of Australia's largest owners of women's fashion retail brands, including Autograph, Crossroads, City Chic, Katies, Miller's and Queenspark - posted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) of $50.8 million, a 7.3 per cent rise on the previous year. </p>

NATIONAL: Mass market womenswear retailer Ezibuy has offered refunds to consumers who purchased its 'Pashmina' shawls and 'Mohair' throws after admitting labelling on the products may have been deceptive. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has accepted a court enforceable undertaking from the New Zealand headquartered company after it incorrectly labelled and advertised a shawl as a pashmina where in some cases the fibre content was actually a cotton/[polyester blend.

NATIONAL: Australian merino wool is set to make its Hollywood debut. The agency responsible for promoting the fibre, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), has paid for a product placement in upcoming chick flick movie <em>How to Lose Friends and&nbsp;Alienate People&nbsp;</em>making its Australian debut in October.

Faced with an aging population, competition from the lucrative resources sector and a fickle Gen Y, fashion retailers must offer plenty of perks if they want to attract and retain good staff. Melissa Gulbin reports.