A new Federal Government initiative will spread some good news aimed to help address the chronic trade workforce shortage in the likes of Australia's apparel industry.

Marcia Hines has had her fair share of experience with real women.

NATIONAL: Womenswear knitwear brand Meredith will soon adopt a more contemporary feel.

As manager of the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) I wish to respond to the comments of Tommy Clark and AJ Mullen in respect to the Ragtrader article that appeared on the front cover of the June 15 edition.

A unique new wool knit fabric has become for Brisbane designer Pina Fiorenza what basic jersey was for Chanel - an unexpected success.

MELBOURNE: Knitwear labels Sovrano and Jo Ro have a new lease on life following their acquisition by knitwear and accessories specialist Engelite for an undisclosed sum.

NATIONAL: With one Stella McCartney launch already firmly under their belts, Australian consumers are set for another, also primarily under their belts.

MELBOURNE: An upcoming forum on fibre development will enhance the overlap between the fibre research and fashion sides of industry according to at least one speaker.

You're never too young to start in the cut-throat business of fashion, so it makes perfect sense that October 14 will see more than 50 contestants descend upon the city of Geelong to compete at the national finals of the Apex Australia Teenage Fashion Awards (AATFA).

NATIONAL: Its suppliers are well-known for munching on the green stuff.

MELBOURNE: While Myer is on a new course toward growth and financial prosperity it still has a long way to go to improve its customer service, the department store's chief executive has admitted.

FGI conference SYDNEY: Australian fashion designers, retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers interested in attending Fashion Group International's (FGI) international conference are being urged to register before the August 31 deadline.

SYDNEY: Bruno Schiavi never thought he'd be in a position to decline an offer from American department store giant Macy's.

It's fair to say that between us Scottish-extracted husband in training (SHIT), Dog and I form a fairly dysfunctional family unit.

MELBOURNE: If the Australian Shoe Fair were a game of Monopoly, it's a fair assumption that Minx, no doubt in the form of the "boot", would emerge as winner.

Jeans from $14 SRI LANKA: Colombo and nearby cities are emerging as key sites for European and US-based companies to source distressed jeans.