Iconic surfwear brand Billabong has become the first fashion retailer in Australia to trial a new type of interactive self-service technology in-store.

A home grown Western Australian swimwear company has boosted its portfolio by taking on an authentic hardcore surfing brand.

The collapse of Belinda International comes in the wake of a tumultuous financial year for the luxury boutique chain, marked by key executive and designer brand departures.

The Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) has sounded an alert for the sector, following the release of worrying retail figures for fashion operators.

Calvin Klein Steel dress shirts have just launched in select Myer stores, with the range now open to independent stockists.

Australian-based manufacturer and distributor Beyond Sportswear International (BSI) has reported a drop in net profit after tax (NPAT) for the 2011 financial year from $0.58 million in 2010 to $0.34 million.

Emerging designers will have the chance to spruik their collections in a new scene, with the Bizarre Bazaar twilight markets landing in Sydney next week.

Earlier this week, www.ragtrader.com.au reported on key High Street retail activations for Vogue Fashion's Night Out (VFNO). Luxury traders have also raised the stakes for the September 8 event.

Boutique trade show Premiere has completed its Melbourne debut, having showcased over 140 Australian and international labels via the three-day fair.

Streetwear brand Diesel will push on with its controversial "Diesel Island: Land of the Stupid & Home of the Brave" campaign, with a star-studded event to be held at Sun Studios tonight.

Iconic Australian brand Billabong is under fire again, with its US operation in hot water over an alleged breach of contract, alleged fraud, and alleged conspiracy to commit fraud.

As Sydney's retail precinct prepares to take part in the global Vogue Fashion's Night Out event on September 8, ragtrader.com.au takes a snapshot of what the High Street has planned for the evening.

Budding designers Catherine Leon and Cynthia Ellis have smashed competition at the Melbourne Debut design awards to take out the top prizes in their respective categories.

New Zealand retail group, Postie Plus Group Limited posted an unaudited sales increase for the full year of just 1.7 per cent, which PPGL CEO Ron Boskell said was "disappointing".

It has been confirmed that the peak industry body, the Australian Retailers Association, will be attending the Tax Summit, to be held in Canberra in October.

Sydney TAFE student Emily Walters has been crowned the 2011 Westfield Chermside Fashion Graduate of the Year, following a showdown at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival – Brisbane, South Bank.