MELBOURNE: Italian label Diesel has failed in its attempt to create an Australian legal precedent by protecting the shape of one of its shoes using a trade mark rather than by registered design.

Karl's shades NATIONAL: A sunglass line from high-end designer Karl Lagerfeld is set to make its Australian debut in May. Dubbed the Karl Lagerfled collection, the 2008/09 eyewear range has been inspired by Lagerfeld's passion for photography and features handmade acetate engraved temples.

Retailers unite UNITED KINGDOM: Big name retailers John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Next are among those who have offered a commitment to reduce the environmental impact of the sector. As part of the agreement, the retailers have pledged to reduce the direct environmental impact of their businesses by cutting emissions from buildings and vehicles, cutting water use and reducing waste sent to landfill.

MELBOURNE: Leading US underwear brand Hanes is going head to head with iconic Australian label Bonds through a national roll-out at Myer department stores.

The Victorian capital's leading hub for nurturing fashion design talent has launched its own brand, kicking off with a decidedly green hue.

SYDNEY: Nina Maya Skrzynski is going upstyle.

New generation designers are risking long-term export opportunities by neglecting strict international trade requirements, a leading consultant has warned.

"Phoar!"

NATIONAL: Key international buyers have been forced to re-evaluate their budgets in a bid to cope with Australia's fluctuating dollar.

A new player has entered the consulting market with a timely remit - to assist the fashion industry become environmentally and socially responsible.

Designers who invested in boutique showrooms at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) managed to capitalise on strong international buyer traffic, despite a week of back-to-back runway shows. The on-site showrooms, located throughout Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal, were launched for the first time at RAFW spring/summer 2008.

SYDNEY: In his former guise as a personal trainer Andy McIntyre had a unique selling point. As catchphrases go, 'Look better naked' was pretty effective; so much so that McIntyre decided to work it some more, this time on casual T-shirt brand Unnaked.

Austrade Los Angeles business development manager Gabriele Manresa offers exporters the low down on the US TCF market.

And so the heels have been retired, the order books stashed and the hard-looking door bitch returned to his life of relative obscurity. Best of all order has been restored. And in my humble opinion it comes not a moment too soon.

One of the most pointless Earth-do-gooder exercises is the current craze for garments made from organic cotton. What begins as a purist idea ends up being guided by knee-jerk consumer guilt and the dictates of the dollar.

Joolz' big night A select group of guests joined Joolz founder Airdrie Makim at the launch of the latest Joolz collection last month.