<p>PERTH: Costarella Design has appointed a director and secured a loan for the expansion of its business. Richard Chan has been appointed as a non-executive director. He is on the board of several public listed and private companies and has 11 years of corporate experience, including seven years as managing director of Singapore listed company Magnus Energy.</p>

<p>MELBOURNE: Just Group has released an update of its FY08 results showing a strong rise in second half sales revenue that points to a&nbsp;seven per cent gain in annual sales. Commenting on the update today (July 31) Just Group CEO Jason Murray said he was &quot;reasonably pleased&quot; with the result in light of the challenging retail environment during the second half of the year.</p>

SYDNEY: Emerging womenswear label Rose &amp; Ruby has scored a double header for its spring/summer 2008/09 collection. The Sydney-based retailer and wholesaler has cracked the Asian market and landed an enviable partnership with department store David Jones.

<p>NATIONAL: Womenswear chain Sportsgirl has named swimwear label Oscar &amp; Elvis and footwear brand Andrea &amp; Joen as the latest in its line-up of home grown talent. The pairing is the latest in a long line of collaborations undertaken by the group including agreements with 18th Amendment, Metalicus, Belinda Fairbanks and Flamingo Sands.</p>

MELBOURNE: Fashion Exposed has unveiled an official marketing partnership with leading apparel company Pacific Brands. The joint venture&nbsp;comprises a three year agreement that will officially kick off with the fair's upcoming Melbourne edition from September 14 to 16. <br />

<p>NATIONAL: The Australian TCF Network has volunteered to lend its expertise to any textile, clothing and footwear companies keen to take advantage of the federal government's&nbsp;new $75 million Climate Ready program. The program,&nbsp;details of which were announced by&nbsp;Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research&nbsp;Kim Carr&nbsp;yesterday (July 29), aims to support Australian businesses developing new products, processes and services to tackle climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>MELBOURNE: Bridal and eventwear doyenne Mariana Hardwick has released a range of dresses that pays homage to La Belle &Eacute;poque. The collection, dubbed New Age Heirloom, was inspired by the era that began in Europe during the late 19th century and was typified by cascades of lace and draping, a Mariana Hardwick spokesperson said.</p>

NATIONAL: Accessory and footwear retailer Aldo has vowed it will implement a trade practices law compliance program after the consumer watchdog found it had sold unsafe sunglasses to consumers. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced it has accepted a court enforceable undertaking from the brand's Australian distributors Busby Distribution.

<p>MELBOURNE: A new luxury inspired luggage brand looks set to bridge the gap between the &quot;cheap and nasty&quot; and unattainable high end labels currently polarising the market. Featuring vibrant prints in acid yellow, grey blue, multi-coloured vintage, and nautical stripe, Ellie Rogers travel bags were made from 100 per cent cotton canvas and durable leather, a spokesperson for the brand confirmed. </p>

MELBOURNE: A 41-year-old designer employed by Lisa Ho has become the latest contestant to leave reality television show <em>Project Runway Australia</em>. In an episode aired last night (July 29), New South Wales-based designer Shane Garland was asked to leave the show after failing to impress judges with his version of a sophisticated evening gown.

MELBOURNE: European apparel group Lacoste has signed a multi-million dollar deal to keep officials and staff at January's Australian Open looking sharp. The French clothing company, founded by tennis great Rene Lacoste, will provide uniforms for linespeople, officials and ball boys and girls in supporting the event.

<p>NATIONAL: Womenswear retailer Witchery has raised a record $332,692 for research into ovarian cancer in Australia. Collected between August 2007 and June 2008 as part of the 'Every Cloud' campaign - as well through silver ribbons sold in store - the funds will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). </p>

<p>NATIONAL: Myer ambassador Jennifer Hawkins has taken her duties to the next level. The former Miss Universe winner will launch an exclusive swimwear line through the national department store&nbsp;on&nbsp;August 28.&nbsp;Dubbed Cozi by Jennifer Hawkins, the debut collection will include kaftans and cover-ups, as well as a range of swimsuits in stripes, spots, prints and block colours.</p>

<p>MELBOURNE: Denimwear brand Jeanswest has lost one of its top executives to listed New Zealand apparel retailer Hallenstein-Glasson. Tali Kalb has spent the past seven years at Jeanswest but has handed in her notice after accepting a new role as Hallenstein's general manager of merchandise.</p>

<p>MELBOURNE: Department store Myer has been forced to shut sections of its Bourke Street site in a bid to meet its refurbishment deadline. A post on the store's dedicated revamp website mynewmyermelbourne.com.au revealed stage two of the planned restructure - designed to create a world class retail experience -&nbsp;had been &quot;hastened&quot; to ensure it would be complete by the end of 2009.</p>

<p>MELBOURNE: Following takeover suitor Premier Investments' announcement on July 23 of an enhanced offer, including more cash to shareholders if it achieves 90 percent control of the company, Just Group has stood firm on its decision to reject the bid. In a statement released following Premier's announcement,&nbsp;a Just Group spokesperson said the company's special board committee was &quot;carefully evaluating&quot; the offer, but on an initial review of the documents, noted that it had not substantially improved. </p>