NATIONAL: There aren't too many retailers who reckon three generations of women can shop at their store.

Jake Mason believes he's finally conquered the Mount Everest of womenswear.

MELBOURNE: Sisters Jacqui and Rachel Padgett have joined forces to launch a label that is as much about artistry and concept as it is about clothing the female form.

SYDNEY: Sportsgirl has announced that it will tackle negative body image issues among its staff and customers ? in turn admitting that fashion labels have a part to play in the health of young women.

An industry scheme aimed at counteracting the national slump in skilled workers has been met with a lukewarm response by educational providers.

A new label can flourish in the hands of the right fashion agent. But they can also die overnight if the wrong agent is looking after your brand.

No longer solely taking direction from European trend reports, Australia's fashion industry also has a local forecasting agency making an impact on the fashion scene, as Samantha Docherty discovered.

Most New Zealand designers looking to make their mark offshore still choose Australia as their first port of call.

According to evidence collected in Australia by the University of Queensland, there is an increasing number of shopping rage incidents occurring in retail stores.

Ragtrader gets the lowdown from Pacific Brands Hosiery Group and Ambra Corporation on the latest hosiery looks for autumn/winter 2007.

Often seen as the little brother in intimate apparel, Australian women are increasingly recognising hosiery/leg wear as an essential fashion accessory. Samantha Docherty reports.

The 2007 Australian Shoe Fair promised everything from swish designer imports to cheap and cheerful treasures. Assia Benmedjdoub roamed through it all to find the biggest trends for 2007.

Organisers were quick to declare it a "success". But Assia Benmedjdoub goes behind the scenes to discover just how fruitful the recent Australian Shoe Fair really was.

Trish Scully wants to dress every kid in the world.

Mark Bilton.

Lisa Webb doesn't believe in staging regular sales. Since opening her boutique in Morpeth some four years ago, the storeowner has chosen not to follow in the bi-seasonal ritual.