<p>SYDNEY: A horde of more than 50,000 items of counterfeit clothing has been discovered by New South Wales Police following the arrest of two market stall traders earlier this month. The find occurred after police, with the assistance of private investigation firms Global Brand Protection (GPB) and Trade Mark Investigation Services (TMIS), initiated a search warrant on two market stalls at Sydney's Fairfield markets.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>MELBOURNE: Hostile bid antagonist Premier Investments has slated Just Group's upwardly revised trading announcement released yesterday (July 31).&nbsp;&nbsp;A Premier statement also issued on July 31 stated that Just had downgraded its earnings per share guidance from its original Target's Statement by 11 per cent to 15 per cent in early July. </p>

<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>