Australian apparel, footwear and accessory businesses have long looked to India as an affordable avenue for sourcing and production.

I wonder how much the models at events such as the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) get paid, and whether, really, it's enough, given some of the things they have to put up with.

Middletons partner Tony Watson dissects the latest copyright case to hit the headlines.

Talk about a tough decision. The judging panel at the 2008 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Designer Award (LMFF) was not subject to any envy this year, having to choose between seven exceptionally talented finalists.

Topping the industry section of the bill at Melbourne's renowned fashion fiesta, the LMFF Business seminar gave attendees a warp speed survey of the global fashion industry's most pressing issues, as Belinda Smart discovered.

Around 12 months ago Singapore-based luxury brand giant Club 21 began pro-actively driving a re-aligned offer to Australian consumers. A year on, Ragtrader caught up with the company's Melbourne-based general manager Michelle Curtis to see how the market was biting. Interview by Belinda Smart

Every edition, Ragtrader talks to a previously profiled brand about how it has developed in the intervening years. This week, Assia Benmedjdoub caught up with bridalwear designer Pina Fiorenza.

Name Annette Verrusio

NEW ZEALAND: The managing director of a retail chain which runs Rebel Sport has been outed as the buyer of a "substantial shareholding" in listed retailer Pumpkin Patch.

SYDNEY: OrotonGroup has reported a record half year profit result, following an extensive operational restructure.

BRISBANE: First time entrant Lisa Brown beat more seasoned rivals to claim the top prize at the National Retail Association's (NRA) Australian Fashion Design Awards last night.

NATIONAL: Discount department store Target has added another silver lining to its womenswear offering.

Bra sizing in Australia is creeping up the alphabet. Samantha Docherty asks what changes the industry is making to cater this growing market.

I once met Nicole Kidman at a party in London. Very few people believe me when I say it... actually, even I don't believe me when I say it... in fact... was it just a dream?

Of all factory jobs in mainland China, the role of western mannequin maker is one of the most sought after. But while, by local standards, the pay may be reasonable, some workers risk their lives just to clock on, as Simon Parry discovered.

In response to Simon Parry's portrayal of poor health conditions in a Chinese mannequin factory, three Australian companies talked to Belinda Smart about their commitment to health and safety.