Going solo has always had a certain appeal. Movie star Greta Garbo’s stock soared when she lamented that she wanted to be alone, while anyone who has watched new TV show Californication starring David Duchovny as the deliciously dysfunctional Hank Moody will find it hard to forget the twisted allure of his claim "I’m not a joiner".

The subject of fashion copying is never far away from the reach of daily newspaper editors who find that a good dose of tut tut can always fill a space, especially if accompanied by some photographs of beautiful people and apparel.

NATIONAL: Millions of dollars worth of apparel, footwear and accessory sales have gone down the drain in the wake of Australia's crippling horse racing crisis.

The TCF Small Business Program is serious and, even before deciding to apply for funding, there are a lot of things that business owners need to think through, writes Dominic Beirne.

Where's my Fendi? International luxurywear label Fendi is well versed in the art of the tease.

Ragtrader gets educated on training with four experts.

Australia's design institutions are now teaching students how to marry creativity with solid business sense, as Samantha Docherty reports.

There are few things more likely to raise people’s hackles than the exploitation of children, particularly girls, whose budding sexuality (think Lolita) is both feared and revered.

Every fashion business owner performs a daily balancing act between minimising stock and keeping sufficient garments on hand to meet demand.

"And we were all worried about the bird flu."

NATIONAL: She's fronted a clothing line, a jewellery range and a purse collection. Now the face that's launched a thousand brands is set to debut a new enterprise in Australasia.

Assia Benmedjdoub talks to a current and former student from the Queensland University of Technology about experience versus youth.

Each fortnight Ragtrader touches base with a brand previously profiled in the magazine to see how it has evolved in the intervening years. This week, Assia Benmedjdoub spoke to menswear brand Injury.

Name Caroline McIntosh

Evanne Alagbeg is clearly a fan of New Zealand womenswear labels. The Doffs boutique owner, who took over the business four years ago and worked for it many years before, rattles off her brand portfolio in everything but a Kiwi accent.

MELBOURNE: Womenswear label Feathers has bypassed its native city's habitual spring fashion fever - and therefore this year's resultant horse flu induced slump - by releasing an updated collection based around timeless style.