NATIONAL: The battle against Australia's $3 billion a year retail theft crisis has received a shot in the arm, following the release of a software package aimed at quashing the online sale of stolen goods.

New year honours ENGLAND: A host of the UK's leading fashion lights have had their efforts rewarded in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

UNITED STATES: Apparel manufacturers exporting to the US may shortly have to comply with new rules proposed by Washington officials as a way of making the country safer.

A group of ex-marketers have played to their strengths by spotting a seemingly unspottable gap in the market; for talking clothes.

"You have to be very bloody minded and you have to be quite unpleasant sometimes".

MELBOURNE: Two local institutions have partnered in a pioneering initiative to boost education opportunities for students and succession planning scope for industry.

Christchurch designers had the opportunity to show off their talent at the first of what is hoped to be an annual trade and public event late last year.

AUSTRADE SOUL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER YOUNG MI GIVES ASPIRING EXPORTERS THE LOW DOWN ON THE SOUTH KOREAN TCF MARKET.

A long established Sydney schmutta identity, whom I shall call B for the sake of my survival, went mahulla recently - and not for the first time, I should add.

Born in New Zealand, trained in London, New York and Los Angeles and now based in Hong Kong, Louche founder Aleida Harger is a self-confessed adventurer whose journey has taught her to be tough, writes Belinda Smart.

With a rise estimated at 8.9 per cent over the next seven years in the denim market around the world, Samantha Docherty looks at Australian brands making an impact globally.

Could your business use thousands of dollars in additional cash or assistance? If so Matthew Nolan provides some helpful tips on getting your slice of the millions available in government and industry grants accessible to fashion businesses.

"It's fair to say at this stage the picture is looking pretty grim,"

Name Narelle Whild

<p>MELBOURNE: The head of the peak industry representative body of Australia's textile, clothing, footwear and fashion industries has revealed he is to step down from the role.<br /></p>

<p>NATIONAL: Kidswear label Sudo has unveiled plans to do its part for the cause of breast cancer research and prevention.</p>