SYDNEY: One of the world's most influential fashion events has officially kicked off in Sydney.

NEW ZEALAND: Employees of iconic New Zealand brand Swanndri face a period of uncertainty after the brand was taken over by one of its major suppliers.

SYDNEY: Australian womenswear designer Alannah Hill has scored top honours at the annual Ipoh Retail Awards.

NATIONAL: International trend forecasting agency WGSN has given Ragtrader Online an exclusive preview of its highly-anticipated Australian seminar series.

SYDNEY: Australian designer Kirrily Johnston has every reason to celebrate.

NATIONAL: Australian swimwear designer Leesa Fogarty has had the honour of closing a fashion show half way around the world.

NATIONAL: Luxury retail company OrotonGroup is optimistic about growing investor interest despite news its founding shareholders have eased back on financial commitments.

NATIONAL: Australia is set to get a new Chinese import.

NATIONAL: Serial product collaborator Stella McCartney has teed off on a new collection. <br />

NATIONAL: The humble moustache has achieved where many others have failed - uniting the creative forces behind streetwear brands Huffer, Quiksilver and Bauhaus.

SYDNEY: Department store Myer has announced plans to open a new store in northern Sydney.

BRISBANE: The Queensland fashion industry is set to go under the spotlight.

SYDNEY: Some of Australian fashion's leading lights have shown their green credentials at a fashion show with a difference.

<p>NATIONAL: Iconic girls' fashion brand Sportsgirl is sprinting into new territory following the recent launch of its online outlet.</p>

NATIONAL: Department store David Jones is set to capitalise on the Christmas trading period, following a sales growth of 9.7 per cent in the first quarter of the 2008 financial year.

PERTH: Western Australia's booming economy is behind a retail development boom expected to see at least 12 new shopping centres built in the next three years.