Marks and Spencer has announced plans to close four of its most ‘unviable’ stores in eastern England.

Hotmilk have hired Francois Cornet as their new European Market Developer Manager, previously of Lejaby.

Cake Lingerie’s new MyBust has been created to enhance a woman’s bust whilst providing her with a good fit. Plunge, balconette and full cup styling have been incorporated into the nursing bra design, depending on bra size.

On 30 – 31 July 2010 Chantelle will be hosting a consumer lingerie event at Selfridges London to unveil their new Invisible Spacer bra, exclusive to the iconic department store.

Spitalfields-based corsetieres FairyGothMother have revamped the window of Oxfam Dalston with a burlesque-themed display, featuring a mixture of bestselling and unique customised corsets, lingerie and accessories from their in-house brand Lulu and Lush. 

It seems etailers are ready to embrace the new technology offered by the iPad as Net-a-Porter releases a magazine app for the new Apple machine.

Arcadia Group has redesigned the websites for all of its stores, including Topshop, with the aim of creating fashion destinations rather than just standard e-tail sites.

Eloise Lingerie, a brand previously known for catering for post-mastectomy clients, has launched a website for their new maternity brand, Eloise Mama.

Wolford has announced its 2009/10 fiscal year sales, declaring a positive upward sales trend towards the end of the year, with an optimistic outlook for the future.

De Montfort University Fashion and Contour Design graduate Nicole Gill recently launched her debut lingerie collection at Alternative Fashion Week in London to a very positive response from the fashion industry.

Cake Lingerie have released two new styles to their collection, including their first nursing moulded cup bra.

Lido Swimwear, the exclusive UK wholesale stockist of Esther Williams and Girl Howdy, are now also representing Bettie Paige and will be showing their collections at Moda for the first time this August.

Figleaves and Asos have scored the highest mark among 50 fashion sites for customer engagement, according to a new report.

New British brand Letters From Evie is set to launch for Spring Summer 2011 and will epitomise British style.

The Government will not be relaxing Sunday trading laws for Boxing Day this year in a move that has disappointed retailers.

High street lingerie chain La Senza will open another 10 stores this year, with an average 10 new stores to open each following year, after it announced a return to profit.

Selfridges has announced that its Christmas store will be opening earlier than ever before this year.

Tesco, H&M and Primark have come under scrutiny following an investigation by the Daily Mail into the conditions at their contracted factories, finding their workers to be exposed to ‘sweatshop’ conditions.

Nardis Beach has been taking part in a big consumer push recently, getting involved in two high profile celebrity events designed to promote the brand.

Swappers from By Wishes are a selection of comfortable mix and match underwear, currently only available in Bloomingdales in the US. They will be launching in the UK for the first time at the Moda Lingerie and Swimwear show.

To promote their Triaction range of sports bras, Triumph has teamed up with a Bootcamp company to create a new exercise routine designed to firm the bust.

A new survey conducted by PRS for Music has revealed that Kylie’s gold hotpants and Madonna’s cone bra are considered to be two of the most iconic looks from the music industry.

Invista has pledged to continue to cement its commitment to the socks and legwear market by expanding the heavy gauge socks and knee-high branding possibilities for Lycra.

The owner of two lingerie boutiques in Gloucestershire has scooped a major regional business award.

Van de Velde has announced H1 organic turnover growth of 8.2 per cent, from 73 million euros to 79 million euros.

In the battle of the high street own brand bras, Ann Summers has launched a publicity campaign highlighting its new bra that boosts breasts by up to 2 cup sizes, dubbed by the consumer press as the ‘instant boob job’.

Harrods has announced that it is considering opening a second store abroad to tap into the lucrative Chinese market.

Michelle Mone has jumped on the ‘real models’ bandwagon for her new Ultimo Couture campaign, drumming up some major consumer press attention for both the collection and the brand itself.

He’s already dabbled in designing male underwear, but now RnB superstar Usher is looking to launch his own women’s lingerie collection, in collaboration with designer Tamara Mellon.

New swimwear brand Black Neon has described itself as a labour of love. Produced in the UK, the new collection offers retro and contemporary styles.

Next Online has had its reputation damaged following a BBC investigation revealing that Next has not been refunding delivery charges if customers return goods.

Chief executive Nick Robertson will be awarded an honorary degree from De Montfort University to award his achievements and contribution to the online fashion retail market.

Lingerie brand Harlette, which debuted in Paris in January 2010, has released behind-the-scenes footage of its high-glamour shoot, which took place aboard 1874 Tallship the James Craig.

Cake Lingerie is teaming up with UK based online mother and baby boutique Mamma La Rocca to search for three ‘real’ mothers to be part of their campaign.

D+ lingerie specialists Keia are launching their first collection of swimwear for Spring Summer 2011.

Shot by world-renowned fashion photographer Mikael Jansson in New York City, the Avatar actress has been selected as the new face for Calvin Klein’s AW10 line.

UK based workers cooperative whomadeyourpants? Has been awarded £60,000 by the J Paul Getty Junior charitable trust so that the project, which produces ethical pants, can become self-sufficient.

Sir Philip Green has announced his intention to open more academies after the five year success of the London Retail Fashion Academy.

The first Hed Kandi store is to be launched by former La Senza chief Rose Foster at the Bluewater shopping centre alongside a new website pushing the fashion angle of the brand.

Wonderbra has launched a website with new features to appeal to an online audience.

From October 27 – 30 2010, over 10,000 visitors from 110 countries and regions will be flocking to Hong Kong for this season's China Sourcing Fair.

New swimwear brand Mermaid in England performed well at this year’s consumer show Clothes Show Live when their unique brand of swimwear was displayed to the public by British Olympic champion Jenna Randall.

American brand Shreddies Intimate Apparel, which specialises in underwear for incontinence, have also created a solution for flatulence sufferers to help the wearer stay odour free.

American low-budget fashion store Forever 21 is planning to open stores in the UK in an attempt to rival Primark and the supermarkets budget clothing, intimate apparel and swimwear offering.

Predicting an increase of 7 per cent in sales, House of Fraser is looking to improve its online customer experience.

The Retail Trust has once again launched its nationwide singing competition in the hopes to find another budding artist whilst raising money and awareness for the charity.

Online shopping is set to increase dramatically over the next ten years, with companies already reporting huge increases in internet sales.

Pretty Lovely Lingerie - an independent boutique in Narbeth, Wales - is donating bras left in changing rooms by customers to a worthy cause.

Global lingerie retailer Agent Provocateur has opened yet another store to expand its ever-growing empire of branches.

In her new job as host on Britain's Next Top Model, Elle Macpherson is championing shape over size in models, claiming her lingerie line is for all women.

In control of some of the biggest brands in fashion, including Speedo, Pentland Group has reported a growth in sales considered to be promising for the market as whole.

Ethical, fair trade brand Peau Ethique is adding 'sensual black' to their ethically produced range, Caresse de Soie.

Luxury lingerie specialist Tallulah is branching out from its boutique in Islington into the online world.

For her tour supporting the Black Eyed Peas, Cheryl Cole chose for her dancers to be clad in Nichole de Carle originals as they dance with her on stage.

Tax increases, cotton prices, debt and inflation are all linked to the rising clothing prices that will affect Britain over the course of the next year.

Major public spending cuts coupled with tax increases has caused consumer confidence to fall again as the public are left feeling disheartened at the state of the economy and uncertain about the financial stability of the UK in the future.

La Senza has chosen Yodel for a two year contract to step up its delivery efficiency.

Corsets could be set for a sales surge as Megan Fox speaks out about reducing her waist to a tiny 18 inches using a corset during filming for her new big budget movie, Jonah Hex.

Dutch brand Beachlife is searching for new UK agents to expand their business globally.

Glitter Beach is a new brand that is launching a collection of innovative swimwear for Ostomy patients.

Lingerie and football aren’t usually an obvious match, but England leaving the World Cup spells bad news for Figleaves sales.

American brand Lula Lu has launched a super-small cup size - a triple-A cup bra as part of their Desiree range.

Caprice has expanded her already growing lingerie empire by venturing into designer bedding.

Bringing together years of experience in couture design, Jean Paul Gaultier and La Perla have created a limited edition collection that has got the fashion world talking.

Two of Bravado! Designs popular ranges will be available in limited edition colours for August, allowing nursing mums to infuse some colour into their underwear drawers.

Janay Gillick and Chantal Vizard, best friends and students from DeMontfort University's Contour Fashion course, have been offered a six-month internship at Enamore and Leurre after being spotted at a catwalk showcase.

Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian have teamed up with Beach Bunny Swimwear to design a range for SS10.

Eloise Lingerie is launching a new brand for pregnant and nursing women to make them feel ‘beautiful whilst remaining practical’.

In her first Internet venture, Mary Portas has launched a new consumer website.

In aid of Retail Trust Week, Retail Trust’s Marketing and Communications Manager Anahid Basmajian will dress up as a superhero and scale London’s Earl’s Court building.

The Impact Free sports bra has been championed by ultra runner Siobhan Royce, who claims the product should be ‘applauded’.

In a bid to develop its UK business, Triumph has signed an agreement with Menlo Worldwide Logistics to outsource its Swindon warehouse operations.

Online shopping sales in the fashion sector rose by 32 per cent year-on-year and 5 per cent month-on-month in May, with a 9 per cent increase in sales of lingerie.

Victoria’s Secret has announced the launch of its first UK store in London.

Harrods is to become the first British retailer to offer an honours degree in sales.

In the run-up to the TIA Grand Final 2010 in September, Triumph will launch a dedicated microsite for the award and unveil a fresh new look for their TIA fan page on Facebook.

To celebrate the start of the new season, LingaDore launched a window display competition asking customers to create a stand-out window display with LingaDore’s new lingerie, lounge or beach collections to win a trip to Hong Kong and China.

The winner of this year’s Star in a Bra competition has been announced as Scottish beauty Laura Ann Smith, who will now become the face and bust of fuller figured brand Curvy Kate.

Following her return to the catwalk as part of De Montfort University’s Contour Catwalk Show on 14 June 2010, Sophie Anderton has spoken out about her intention to launch her own lingerie brand.

Playboy is entering the fragrance market with a perfume collection designed to enhance the brand’s lingerie and clothing portfolio.

As consumers continue to turn their backs on unobtainable images of beauty following an upturn in the use of ‘real models’ Debenhams have thrown down the gauntlet and will show an un-airbrushed swimwear poster in the window of their Oxford Street store.

The administrators of lingerie indie Boudiche have set a deadline of 5pm on Thursday 24 June 2010 for offers to buy the business.

Following its successful growth into eveningwear, Ultimo is set to expand further into new clothing categories.

Following the sale of Figleaves to N Brown earlier this week, the lingerie etailer has appointed a new head of buying.

Since buying Figleaves, home shopping specialist N Brown has vowed to return the specialist lingerie etailer to profitability.

Invista is launching its new ‘secret asset’ for shapewear at this year’s Paris Mode City that will add ‘sculpting, smoothing, comfort and style’ to shapewear fabrics.

A good delivery and returns service is key to retaining online customers according to the results of a new consumer survey.

Following the move from Lyon to Paris in 2008, Eurovet will be responding to the evolving needs of the market by changing the trade fair dates for Mode City and Interfilière in 2011 to launch the sector’s season.

Agents Andrew Wrench and Gary Watson of AWG Brands have added Hush Hush Lingerie - a collection of affordable luxury lingerie - to the portfolio of brands that they represent.

Internet and catalogue home shopping company N Brown Group plc has announced the acquisition of online lingerie retailer Figleaves.com.

James Nolan, the UK student who won last year’s Triumph Inspiration Award, will soon be seeing all his hard work pay off. His winning design, inspired by Odette and Odile from the ballet Swan Lake, is due to hit stores in September this year.

Caprice Bourret has announced her intention to launch lingerie label By Caprice into the US market, with plans to introduce the brand into US department stores and independents in time for the Autumn 2010 season.

The winners of the UK national finals of the Triumph Inspiration Award 2010 were announced last week at a star-studded event hosted by Nicky Hambleton-Jones.

Leading quality lingerie retailer Boudiche has been placed into administration by its directors. Reduced footfall at the brand’s two retail stores and serious cash flow problems brought on by the recession have been cited as reasons for the failure of the business.

Ultimo haven't had much luck with their models recently. Following Pixie Geldof's departure from the brand, the consumer press is currently rife with rumours that Kelly Brook is about to step down as the face and body of the brand.

The “underwear as outerwear” trend looks set to continue with Debenhams announcing that sales of suspenders are rising as women attempt to emulate celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue.

De Montfort University is celebrating the success of student Kate Burreddu at the UK finals of the Triumph Inspiration Awards.

Sophie Anderton will make an appearance on the catwalk on Monday 14 June 2010 when De Montfort University (DMU) stages its annual Contour Fashion Show in London for the first time in the institution’s history.

This season, Lejaby Group is launching a new sub-brand to complement the Rasurel main collection. Sun & Blue will be a 'freedom-inspired' range for 2011, which they’re describing as ‘young and fun’ with a more entry price point to cater for a new customer.

Established Milan-trained fashion designer Tasneem Ismail is launching a new brand of eco-friendly, organic nightwear on 17 June 2010 called Fair Play.

New brand Mermaid in England will be exhibiting their debut collection of AquaChange swimwear at the Clothes Show London 2010.

Lingerie brands Charnos and Lepel have seen a significant upturn in sales at key lingerie exhibitions and regional shows since the company’s change of ownership in September 2009.

A price comparison website has reported that there has been a 400 per cent increase in searches for the word ‘Speedo’ in the past six months.

Marks and Spencer’s Plan A eco and ethical programme is on schedule as three years into the programme, 62 of the original 100 commitments have been achieved, 30 are ‘on plan’ to be achieved by 2012 and only seven are 'behind plan' as a result of unexpected challenges.

Ahead of next season’s lingerie and swimwear shows, Lingerie Buyer online takes a look at the new swimwear launches for Spring Summer 2011.

To celebrate 35 years in the industry, Australian swimwear brand Seafolly are launching their first ever outdoor advertising campaign in the UK - the first time in the brand’s history that an advertising campaign has run internationally.

Britnix has been a big success of late thanks to the iconic ‘By George’ style pant, a design centred around the St George flag. Unsurprisingly, the brand has now been picked up by department store giant John Lewis and will be on sale in 15 stores across the UK.

Raising the profile of French lingerie brands, a recent ‘interactive lingerie spectacle’ organised by Lingerie Française was a huge success, garnering column inches from consumer press like The Times, Guardian and Telegraph.

Following Kerry Katona’s efforts to clean up her image, she’s announced plans to launch her own range of clothing, including a plus size lingerie and swimwear collection.

The British Retail Consortium has urged the Government not to raise VAT, instead calling for spending cuts to be made to tackle the deficit and warning that an increase in VAT would have a negative impact on retailing and the wider economy.

Following the release of their new tan-through swimwear and hosiery, Kiniki has created a range of tan-through sarongs that will help body conscious women to maintain an all over colour.

The use of ‘real’ models has been highly successful for brands such as Curvy Kate and Royce. Now, Cake Lingerie has taken it a step further with their worldwide campaign ‘Real Mums, Real Fit’ inviting pregnant women to take part.

John Lewis is looking for a new buying director following the promotion of Peter Ruis to the board of the department store chain.

Consumers today are demanding and brands that aren't innovative with their products are quickly left behind. As such, sloggi has launched a ‘new generation’ of underwear.

The Star in a Bra model competition for plus size lingerie brand Curvy Kate has reached the final furlong. The top 10 finalists chosen by the public have had a makeover and taken part in a photo shoot and will now face the vote for the final time before the unveiling of the new face - and body - of Curvy Kate.

Today Lingerie Francaise, the association of premium French lingerie brands, will be taking to the streets of London with a procession of vintage cars containing eight models displaying the finest lingerie from Paris.

Lingerie designs inspired by chess pieces, flower seeds and a brass tuba are among the creations set to hit the catwalk for the international Triumph Inspiration Awards UK final in London on 10 June 2010.

Ten De Montfort University students have been selected for the UK final of the Triumph Inspiration Awards 2010.

London-based lingerie designer Ayten Gasson has launched a new online boutique featuring her self-titled brand.

Following the success of Curvy Kate’s Star in a Bra competition where the brand hunts for a 'real' plus size curvy model to front their advertising campaign, Marks and Spencer is stepping in with their own competition, also in association with The Sun newspaper.

As more brands become aware of the importance of being ecologically minded, British designer Katharine Hamnett has created an eco-friendly capsule swimwear collection in collaboration with YOOXYGEN.

Karren Brady, vice chairman of West Ham United football club and the new assistant to Lord Sugar on BBC1's Junior Apprentice, is expected to join the board of Sir Philip Green’s fashion empire.

Following the marlies|dekkers product placement in the SATC2 movie, the brand has just announced another big PR coup. Marlies Dekkers will showcase her lingerie at the Secret Room Events Celebrity Style Lounge for the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.

Product placement within a film such as the hotly anticipated Sex and the City 2 movie almost guarantees an increase in sales, so the Marlies|Dekkers brand should benefit considerably from a scene in the film featuring Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie wearing one of their bras.

Chairwoman Sharon Webb, lingerie buyer at Debenhams, led the proceedings at the Contour Fashion Ball - an upbeat occasion that highlighted the feelings of hope and positivity within the industry.

Kim Winser, the chairman at Agent Provocateur, is currently in talks with potential franchise partners in South America and Japan as she looks to push the retailer’s international expansion.

Sportswear specialist Sweaty Betty, who also stock underwear and swimwear, have sustained positive like-for-like sales following a move into more focussed own-brand products.

Following a year of trading as part of the Arcadia Group, Sir Philip Green has indicated his expectation for the Bhs chain to return to profit by the end of 2010.

Marks and Spencer chairman Sir Stuart Rose has pointed to a boost in consumer confidence, particularly in its 55+ female shoppers, a demographic that felt the pinch of the recession early on.

Private sales etailer Secretsales.com has hired a new buying team to help broaden its portfolio of brands, including a new lingerie and swimwear buyer.

The popularity of shows like Gok Wan’s How To Look Good Naked is raising awareness amongst consumers as to the importance of well-fitting underwear. Following in the footsteps of La Senza’s new advertising campaign concentrating on the issue of fit, Marks and Spencer has unveiled its own ‘Great Fits’ ads.

Although Lingerie Buyer fully supports innovation within the industry, there is a limit – one surpassed by a new, ‘innovative’ American bra called the Cleavage Caddy.

Proving how important having the right product can be, Marks and Spencer’s ‘Ceriso’ lingerie set has been credited with helping to drive the department store’s profits in the last financial year.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that an increase in VAT to 20 per cent will lead to 163,000 job cuts and reduce consumer spending by £3.6 billion over four years with a devastating impact on the high street.

Leicester’s De Montfort University (DMU) students’ lingerie and bodywear collections are to appear in London for the first time in the institution’s history next month.

Lingerie boutique Gorgeous in Tring, Hertfordshire recently hosted an event in honour of the Help the Heroes charity, raising over £1000 for soldiers injured in current conflicts.

The iPad could possibly revolutionise the retailing industry if reports from America are to be believed; however, UK consumers desperate to get their hands on the new device when it goes on sale at the Apple Store in London on Friday have been warned to expect lengthy queues and hiked up prices.

Considering the power of celebrity endorsement in the setting of trends it’s possible that Venus Williams’ choice of sportswear, compared to lingerie by critics at the French Open in Paris, could spark a new trend in sportswear.

They may have been absent from our TV screens for some time but sales of Trinny and Susannah shapewear continue to perform well. Now the duo are debuting a new web-based reality TV show on 14 June 2010 for iVillage.

As 1.65 million sq ft shopping centre Liverpool One prepares to celebrate its second birthday, property developer Grosvenor has reported that footfall has risen 11.5 per cent compared to May 2009 to two million a month with lingerie as one of the best-performing sectors.

Dash Direct Ltd has launched a new wholesale lingerie business aimed at underwear firms in the UK who are keen to expand into erotic and sheer lingerie.

Marks and Spencer have reported full year pre-tax profit growth for 2009/10 of 4.6 per cent to £632.5 million and grew their market share for lingerie from 25.2 per cent to 25.9 per cent.

With shows like Cougar Town having a dramatic, direct effect on the sales of lingerie, Mya Blue Beach is hoping that the same will be true of its links with the new, much-hyped Sex and the City 2 movie.

De Montfort University will be exhibiting the work of their students, including those of the Fashion and Contour Design course, at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week via a stand at the event and a catwalk show.

Bravissimo has enhanced its current consumer advertising campaign with a new microsite showcasing its ‘real’ models.

A report by the Confederation of British Industry has shown that only 3 per cent of bosses will reward their workers with a pay rise above inflation, with most people finding their increases are swallowed up by larger household bills.

Whilst retailers such as Figleaves offer free returns, a selling point that earns them customers, eBay has come under fire from buyers angry that they are left out of pocket when making returns.

Asda has stated that it expects tough market conditions to continue after the supermarket giant declared a 0.3 per cent drop in first quarter same-store sales – the retailer’s first dip in sales since 2006.

Ultimo’s Michelle Mone has returned to modelling for the first time in 20 years after she lost six stone. She’s been picking up column inches in the consumer press by modelling her new evening dresses with in-built bra support for a photo shoot with Hello Magazine.

Triumph International has launched its own ecommerce website allowing consumers to buy Triumph lingerie direct from the brand.

British swimwear manufacturer Kiniki is developing the first ever range of tan-through tights as women continue to wear hosiery for longer into the summer due to unpredictable weather.

Country of origin labels could become compulsory for clothing sold in Europe according to the European Parliament, which has just approved an update for the EU clothes labelling scheme.

As prices of clothing face increases across all sectors, premium brands are likely to benefit from changes in consumer buying habits as shoppers look to spend more on fewer, better quality items.

La Senza launched a new press and outdoor advertsing campaign on 24 May 2010 to promote its summer collections, using the strapline ‘Fabulously Fitted’ in an attempt to take on lingerie brands that are pushing the issue of fit.

Major high street retailers including Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and Primark are having to review their pricing strategies for this season with projected rises of 4 – 8 per cent expected across the board.

In an event that’s free to retailers, Retail Bulletin Conferences is hosting a Customer Loyalty Conference in London on 22 June 2010, advising store owners on ways to keep customers coming back in an increasingly challenging marketplace.

Research conducted by Debenhams has shown that holidaymakers staying in the UK wear less-revealing swimwear than those who travel abroad.

The top 10 finalists in the search for the new face of large cup lingerie brand Curvy Kate have been revealed ahead of the final vote, which begins 3 June 2010.

In its 3rd year of publication, Hitting the Mark is compiled by dotMailer and dissects the email marketing campaigns of 36 high street retail brands. It enables retailers to gain a rare insight into the way big name brands are using email marketing and to learn from both their successes and mistakes.

As well as expanding the lines they offer, Alterego lingerie has moved into new premises, promising a better service now that they have more space to carry out business.

Interfiliere Paris has now released its trend information in advance of the September 2010 show. The organisers point out that once again lingerie is bucking the trend in the face of recession, identifying key styles and colours for upcoming seasons. Lingerie Buyer Online reports...

Following a 93 per cent increase in sales, My Wardrobe is planning on adding to its lingerie offer to complement its large range of high fashion clothing and accessories.

As a part of their programme to help save the Atlantic Rainforest in Argentina, Eurojersey is taking part in an initiative with the World Land Trust.

Online fashion store Asos is planning on launching a standalone site in America this year with plans for France and Germany to follow suit with their own specialised websites by the end of 2010.

The Hub National Centre for Craft and Design is showcasing the Undercover Exhibition, which looks at the history of lingerie with contributions from Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Elle Macpherson Intimates.

For women with two different sized breasts finding a bra can be a difficult task. Budget American brand Fruit of the Loom has addressed the issue with mix and match bras that allow the wearer to choose the left and right cup of their bra individually.

Online lingerie boutique Glamorous Amorous has enlisted students to devise its social media strategy, a notoriously tricky marketing exercise to get right.

Kelly Brook, the new face and body of Ultimo Lingerie, has created a media storm over new photos of her in Ultimo’s bridal lingerie collection.

England’s Laurence Cope has been announced as the winner of Calvin Klein’s 9 Countries, 9 Men, 1 Winner pan-European male model search and has been awarded a modelling competition with the brand.

Damaris beat stiff competition from Lascivious and Pistol Panties to be announced as the official winner in the lingerie category of the UK Fashion and Textile Export Awards, sponsored by Salon International de la Lingerie.

Bosses at the Science Museum have discovered a 200-year-old push-up bra in storage, thought to be the world’s first known example of cleavage-enhancing lingerie.

Following the acceptance on the High Street of the K cup, the first KK cup by Panache has gone on sale at Debenhams’ Oxford Street store.

Katie Price’s business empire is crumbling according to reports that retail outlets are struggling to sell her branded goods, with her lingerie line being discontinued altogether.

French model Noemie Lenoir, best known in the UK as the face and body of Marks and Spencer lingerie, is said to be recovering well following an alleged failed suicide attempt.

Triumph International Japan has developed a new concept bra that doubles as a rice paddy.

Designer Dimple Rani Lal will go into production with her first collection of lingerie after appearing at a catwalk show as part of Oxford Fashion Week at the Malmaison Hotel.

Trade was hard hit by the election uncertainty last week for all but the value sector as consumer confidence plummeted.

Following the announcement of Sainsbury’s sales success with marked increases in sales of clothing and lingerie, the supermarket giant is now looking to overtake Matalan and Debenhams in the volume market share stakes by 2014 and will stock brands.

Marks and Spencer has issued an apology for labelling underwear aimed at six-year-old girls as ‘bra tops’ following complaints from parents.

Sainsbury’s has announced underlying full-year pre-tax profit increases of 17.5 per cent to £610 million, declaring clothing as a ‘star performer’ and highlighting lingerie as a strong area for sales.

The UKFT Export Award winners were announced today in an awards ceremony at the Landmark Hotel, London, hosted by HRH The Princess Royal and Joanna Lumley.

The new Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government has confirmed that the Labour proposal to increase National Insurance from 2011 has been scrapped; however, in an attempt to reduce the budget deficit VAT may rise to 20 per cent.

Marks and Spencer are launching their own brand super cleavage-enhancing bra called ‘Add 2 Cup Sizes’ in July to rival brands such as Wonderbra and Panache’s Atlantis range.

Administrators at MCR have announced plans to close nine Vergo Retail stores, the group that own Lewis’ in Liverpool. The closures will take place across the next month in order to keep the rest of the business trading and will result in 335 redundancies.

Marks and Spencer are the first major UK high street retailer to launch a full mobile website, based on M&S Direct.

The London Marathon was another huge success this year as 36,000 runners pounded the streets for a range of charitable causes, including the Retail Trust - the only charity to look after 3 million people working in retail.

Wolford’s 2009/10 fiscal year has once again confirmed the perceptible pick-up of sales that became evident in previous months’ sales figures.

Nicole Gill graduated from De Montfort University last year with a BA hons in Fashion and Contour Design. She has since gone on to launch her new self-titled brand of handmade bespoke lingerie and corsets, which were recently showcased at London’s Alternative Fashion Week.

AWG Brands are representing Womama maternity wear as the label launches its first G and H cups.

In the battle of the superstore giants, Morrisons has decided to take on its rivals and offer cut price clothing - including lingerie, nightwear and swimwear - in store, courtesy of a Peacocks concession.

The Chief executive of Next, Simon Wolfson - who also acts as an advisor to the Conservatives - has backed a potential Vat rise to help tackle the UK’s increasing debts.

Rigby and Peller’s AW10 production schedule has been held up after prototypes went missing in transit on their way back from the shooting of a Lady GaGa video.

Whilst the UK market is embracing plus sizes with the acceptance of the K cup on the high street, our American counterparts aren’t as ready to do so, with one US lingerie site introducing a 12D cup instead of a K cup.

Qatar Holding, the new owner of Harrods, is considering a major overseas expansion, including a possible new flagship store in Shanghai.

Panache Lingerie has scored a huge PR coup with Iron Man 2. In the movie, which is one of only 10 films to have broken the $100 million barrier in its first three days of release in America, Scarlett Johansson is featured wearing a Panache set.

Mohammed Al Fayed has sold iconic London department store Harrods to the investment arm of Qatar’s royal family in a deal reported to be worth in the region of £1.5 billion.

Topshop have announced plans to launch their first store in London’s Knightsbridge on 20 May 2010, which will include lingerie brands.

Eric Musgrave has been appointed the director general at the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) with immediate effect, succeeding John Wilson who retires at the end of June after a 38-year association with the sectors’ trade bodies.

Chief executive Alan Hawkins of independent trade association BHF-BSSA has said that he will push for changes in laws that favour multiples over indies, tackling the government over issues that affect small businesses disproportionately over larger ones.

London's leading share index was hit hard last night as the uncertainty of a hung Parliament and the Greek debt crisis saw the FTSE 100 slump more than 1 per cent to its lowest level since February, whilst sterling also sank against the dollar and the euro.

Ian Dyson, the Group Finance and Operations Director at M&S, has resigned – the day after Marc Bolland joined as chief executive.

Licensed clothing company Fashion UK has signed a deal with Playboy Enterprises to expand its offering and create a new collection of Playboy-branded clothing, to include loungewear.

The old adage ‘there’s no such thing as bad publicity’ couldn’t be more true than in the case of Lane Bryant’s Cacique Lingerie advert in the US, which recently sparked controversy when two major American networks ABC and FOX restricted its screening time, stating that the plus sized models had ‘too much cleavage’.

Launched by industry expert Claire Franks, a well known face in the world of lingerie, the Intimate Apparel Consultancy offers a personal advisory service to lingerie businesses, from start-ups and multi-national retailers to brands, distributors and etailers.

The search for the new face of plus-size lingerie brand Curvy Kate stepped up a gear today as the top 30 finalists were revealed. In a canny PR move, the popular lingerie brand has left the decision about who fronts their products up to their customers.

The chairman of the British Fashion Council Harold Tillman is calling for businesses that operate in a sustainable way to be rewarded with tax breaks, an initiative that he believes will encourage more companies to adopt an ethical approach to the way they run their business.

The planned Westfield Stratford shopping centre has signed up major retailers including Primark, Topshop, Next, Monsoon and H&M and is now 60 per cent leased or committed.

Whilst Ebay has launched a massive consumer advertising campaign about its new fixed price fashion channel, ASOS has stepped up the competition by announcing plans to launch its own virtual marketplace where retailers can sell excess stock and fashion.

Eveden has outlined plans to build newly acquired French brand Huit by driving it into its existing account base in the UK, broadening Eveden’s portfolio with a more premium, fashion-led offering.

Ebay is set to launch a multi-channel advertising campaign, to initially run from 3 May to 30 June 2010, for the new Fashion Outlet section of its website, with the strapline ’The clothes you love, direct from the brands you love’.

Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Liberty are just some of the major department stores expected to bring forward their summer sales to clear stock and shift to full-price merchandise ahead of Ramadan.

Yesterday saw key industry figures come together to discuss the complex issue of sizing and fit for lingerie and swimwear and the potential for standardising sizes and making things easier and clearer for consumers.

Google is testing its plans to extend Street View, which lets users view details of streets across the world, to allow consumers to see store interiors from their computer.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association’s (UKFT) database listing everyone in the UK making components, cloth, clothing, footwear, accessories and interiors fabrics as well as highlighting UK-based fabric finishing companies is now live on their website.

Ultimo creator Michelle Mone has announced that MJM International will be launching Ultimo Couture – her first womenswear collection.

Retail Trust, the only charity to look after 3 million people working in retail, has dedicated this year’s Retail Trust Week to celebrating the inner hero in all of us as it calls for retailers to raise funds and awareness of the charity.

A debate has broken out in the US after two American networks FOX and ABC refused to run a Lane Bryant ad for Cacique lingerie as the plus-sized, curvaceous model was deemed to have too much cleavage.

Ted Baker is launching a 20-piece collection of women’s loungewear for AW10 that will include camisoles, harem pants, leggings, ponchos and robes.

John Lewis has announced plans to launch an international delivery service through its website from the beginning of 2011 as part of plans to expand on the success of its online offering.

Lingerie Buyer online brings you fashion reports and trend analysis, compiling information from trade shows and industry experts from the lingerie and swimwear industries to help you to make informed choices and stay ahead of the competition.

In June 2010 a ruling will come into force that allows brand owners to prevent online retailers without bricks-and-mortar stores from selling their products.

Bravado! Designs is launching a new ‘passionate pink’ colour for their Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top as part of a collaboration with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) in time for Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

Fashion licensing giant Warnaco Europe, which operates the licence for Calvin Klein swimwear and Speedo among others, has appointed a new managing director, due to join the company in August 2010.

For the first time in its history, John Lewis is launching a £6million, 6 week long TV and press advertising campaign to drive awareness of its dedication to quality, price and service.

Liberty of London has created an exclusive collection of lingerie for US retailer Target, which includes bras, pants, garter belts, chemises, rompers, robes and pyjama sets priced from $8-$20.

Primark and Tesco have both announced record profits in the year to 27 February 2010 thanks to consumers seeking out cheaper alternatives to branded clothing and lingerie during the recession.

ASOS has announced that its sales have risen by 35 per cent to £223million in the year to 31 March 2010 with sales increases in the UK and internationally.

Calls to the retail trust helpline, available to anyone working in retail or related industries and their families, have dramatically increased over the last year, including a 96 per cent increase in people calling for debt advice.

When Net a Porter’s sister site The Outnet hosted a £1 sale to celebrate its first birthday some shoppers were left disappointed as huge volumes of traffic caused the site to crash.

Following much speculation, Eveden Group have completed a deal to buy French lingerie brand Huit out of administration.

Join the discussion about how the lingerie industry can work together to achieve better sizing and fit at the ASBCI’s special seminar dedicated to the lingerie and swimwear sectors on 27 April 2010.

New brand Mermaid in England is set to launch an innovative range of swimwear, hoping to capture the imaginations of consumers. The new collection utilises Aquachange technology that enables the swimsuits to change colour and pattern design on contact with water, producing a different look from wet to dry.

Independent Yorkshire department store group Browns has announced its plans to expand after the successful launch of a 12,000 sq ft store in Beverley, East Yorkshire – the third store in the chain.

M&S has posted a record increase in its clothing market share for the fourth quarter with its fashion offering rising from 10.8 per cent to 11.9 per cent year on year in the 12 weeks to 28 February 2010. Within that, lingerie performed particularly well.

Asda has announced its plans to become the UK’s number one non-food retailer by 2015 by doubling the size of its George business, which includes lingerie.

The deputy chief executive at Debenhams, Michael Sharp, has had to defend the retail chain’s expansion of its own-brand ranges after a poor response from The City to the department store’s trading figures.

Chantelle will be partnering with Harrods from 17 April – 3 May 2010 for the Chantelle Boudoir, an exclusive consumer fitting event dedicated to wellbeing and luxury.

Clothing brand Miss Fit UK, which specialises in clothing for big busted women, has launched its first lingerie sub-brand called 2wenty8, a collection of 28” DD-H cup lingerie.

Following the naming and shaming of Primark for selling inappropriate padded bikinis for 7-year-old girls, The Sun newspaper has carried out a full investigation on the high street and found other retailers selling ‘sexy’ underwear for children.

Primark has come under fire from the British press for selling a range of padded bikinis aimed at seven-year-old girls. The clothing chain has reacted with the immediate removal of the swimwear from all of their stores and has issued an apology.

It appears that the fashion world is sitting up and taking notice of the intimate apparel market. Following the new Alexander McQueen underwear launch, American design legend Alexander Wang has also released his first underwear collection.

High street giant Debenhams has reported an 18.6 per cent increase in its interim pre-tax profits to 27 February 2010 following market share gains and strong performances from its own brand ranges.

New store The Little Big Bra Shop in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, created quite a stir at their launch recently when they positioned a live lingerie model in their shop window, covered by the local paper and radio.

Ebay has launched its special fixed-price fashion channel, which includes the cut-price sale of lingerie from brands like Lejaby, Ultimo, Panache, Chantelle and Lepel, in an attempt to seal its status as more than just an auction site, cutting into the market share of etailers like ASOS.

The fashion industry was rocked earlier in the year when the sad news of Alexander McQueen’s death was announced. However, his label lives on with the launch of the new men’s underwear collection he was working on before he died.

Shop Direct Group, the company behind successful retailers Littlewoods and Very, has promoted Gareth Jones to the role of retail director.

The director general of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, John Wilson, has been appointed as the chairman of the newly formed Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the fashion and textile industries.

The finalists have been announced for the prestigious UKFT Export Awards, which celebrate excellence in international trade, with three lingerie brands nominated.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association has added its support to the TICT, a specialist trade charity that aims to help children of parents involved in the textiles, fashion retailing and manufacturing industries.

Speedo has unveiled a triathon-focused programme for 2010 that includes the launch a new product range TriathELITE.

Following successful results in a tough 2009 marketplace, Hanro has decided to focus on its key basics selection and loyal base of customers by expanding its NOS range with a new line called Moments.

The next government urgently needs to rebalance workplace law in favour of employers, according to the Forum of Private Business. They are arguing that legislation has made many smaller businesses frightened of hiring, and even advertising for, new staff.

North West Cancer Research Fund (NWCRF) has teamed up with luxury lingerie designer and retailer Irresistible to create Butterfly Silk - a collection of handmade silk nightwear and greetings cards.

Loumia Hiridjee and her sister created Princesse tam.tam in 1985, when they realised that the printed silk boxer short popular with men was also something women wanted for themselves. For their 25th anniversary in summer 2010, Princesse tam.tam rediscovers the silk and cotton boxer short that began it all.

Total Q4 UK sales at Marks and Spencer are up 6.3 per cent. The retailer's clothing offering did particularly well - their market share has increased following a successful spring launch with customers responding well to the department store’s interpretations of key trends.

Ultimo has made its first foray into the world of film with an advertisement featuring the new face of the brand, Kelly Brook, in the Ultimo Spring collection.

Although a few respected lingerie brands have been nominated for this year’s Comfort Prima High Street Fashion Awards, disappointedly for many, a much larger number of own-brand and cut-price lingerie lines have also been nominated.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Playboy Enterprises’ Playboy Bunny outfit, Missimo and Ann Summers will exclusively launch the first ever official Playboy Bunny costume.

Early discounting has driven strong retail sales in the West End over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Following Labour claims that a Conservative government would need to increase taxes if they scrap the planned National Insurance rise in April 2011, the Conservatives have hit back, saying they would not need to raise VAT should they be elected.

West End Retailers such as the Arcadia Group, Selfridges and Debenhams are backing a campaign to allow stores to open for a full trading day on Boxing Day, which falls on a Sunday this year and will currently be subject to Sunday trading laws.

Luxury goods group Richemont has officially confirmed it will buy Net-a-Porter in a deal that values the popular designer etailer at £350million. The founder of the online store Natalie Massenet will reinvest in the business and will stay on as executive chairman.

A number of retail chiefs, including the chief executives of Next and Harvey Nichols and executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose at Marks and Spencer, are openly backing Tory plans to reverse part of Labour’s proposed National Insurance increases.

Fashion sales at John Lewis have leapt by 25 per cent in the week to 27 March 2010, with total sales for the store rising to £56.6million.

Managing Director at Harrods, Michael Ward, has advised retailers that the key to success during tough economic times is investing in their store aesthetic to entice shoppers through the doors, increasing footfall and sales.

Following its successful debut for Spring Summer 2010, Be My Bra has introduced more bows, strap charms and centre charms into its Autumn Winter 2010 collection.

The UK now has 150,000 online retailers according to a new study by IMRG, with more than 600,000 British jobs either directly in or supporting etailers.

Mohamed Fayed, the owner of one of London’s most iconic department stores, has told employees that Harrods won’t be sold following weeks of speculation as to the future of the store.

Boudiche are supporting the Smalls for All campaign, which collects bras and knickers for women and children in Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

It’s not been all bad news for Ultimo this week, following Peaches Geldof being dropped by the brand. Kelly Brook has been unveiled as the face and body of Ultimo and has attracted a lot of media attention.

London department store Liberty has reported its first positive EBITDA (to 31 December 2010) in a decade.

Michelle Mone’s lingerie brand Ultimo has dropped Peaches Geldof as the face and body of the brand after claims about her private life led to 3,000 complaints from the public.

Is the high fashion world ready to accept curvier figures? French Elle and Italian Vogue have both embraced plus sizes with special issues of the magazine and website dedicated to larger sizes.

Agent Provocateur is looking to grow its ecommerce and licensing divisions and double store numbers within the next three years.

Susi Henson – the designer and brand owner of Eternal Spirits – has reached the final 5 for the UK Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010.

Following a slow start to March, the Easter trading weekend is crucial to many stores with early discounting and large scale mid-season sales being utilised in an attempt to increase footfall.

New Look has declared war on ASOS following the launch of its new website. The high street chain is aiming to become the number one fashion etailer within the next three years.

Although the recession has affected many indies, the Local Data Company has published a report stating that the number of stores occupied by fashion independents grew by 6.3 per cent, outperforming chains.

Owners of small businesses and properties have been given some hope by the Treasury’s Budget announcement of a business rate holiday for the period of one year from October 2010; however, established retailers have been offered ‘no help’ with bills arriving from increases deferred from last spring.

Next have revealed that the year to January 2010 was ‘exceptional’ with the group’s profit before tax increasing by 18 per cent to £505million and earnings per share increasing by 21 per cent to a new group record 188.5p.

Plus size lingerie specialist Simply Yours has announced the winner of their From Brief to Bra competition, where their customers were given the opportunity to design a new bra and brief set to be sold as a part of the Simply Yours SS11 collection.

Join the discussion about how the lingerie industry can work together to achieve better sizing and fit at the ASBCI’s special seminar dedicated to the lingerie and swimwear sectors on 27 April 2010.

Topshop has expanded its online offering to include shoppers internationally by adding 12 new shipping destinations abroad.

For those needing a bit of incentive to shake off the cobwebs and get out in the fresh air after a freezing cold winter, Breast Cancer Care is running its annual Pink Ribbonwalk in four beautiful locations across the UK over the coming months.

The European Court of Justice has awarded Google a key victory: the search engine has been cleared to sell brand name keywords to rival companies under its Adwords scheme.

Dragon’s Den star and former La Senza owner Theo Paphitis has announced that he’s setting up a new lingerie chain - with the working name DNA Lingerie - that will directly compete with the high street lingerie giant.

Ann Summers has announced that it will be expanding its product offer to include cosmetics and swimwear, due to go into stores in April 2010.

Despite the ongoing challenging economic environment, the Wolford Group succeeded in achieving a significant improvement in key earnings indicators for the first nine months of the 2009/10 fiscal year.

Consumers stuck with traditional Valentine’s gifts in February 2010 with lingerie sales online soaring by 30 per cent the week leading up to Valentine’s Day.

M&S launch their new womenswear and lingerie advertising campaigns in print today, Monday 22 March 2010. The adverts have been described as a ‘change in direction’ for the retail giant.

According to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), over a third of people working in manufacturing and retail haven’t learnt anything new in the past year.

For the first time in its history, successful etailer Figleaves is trialling an in-store retail offering as a concession at Allders in Croydon.

Orders for By Caprice Lingerie’s SS10 collection have soared following the brand’s split from supplier Intimas in May 2009, with brand founder Bourret taking full control.

Successful online fashion etailer My Wardrobe is looking for investment in order to drive forward its growth and reach £100million in sales over the next five years.

The Contour Ball is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the lingerie retail industry calendar, and tickets are now on sale for this year’s Ball, which takes place in the Art Deco Ballroom of The Park Lane Hotel in Piccadilly on Thursday 27 May 2010.

Marks and Spencer have announced that executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose will leave the department store group in March 2011. In the interim, he will become chairman from 31 July 2010 to ensure a smooth handover period with Marc Bolland.

London Mayor Boris Johnson launched the London New Enterprise scheme on 12 March 2010 in an attempt to tackle the issue of properties lying empty in the wake of the recession.

By Caprice Lingerie are currently looking for an experienced lingerie and swim rep or agent for the European market.

Bookings are now being taken for the ASBCI Lingerie and Swimwear seminar on Tuesday 27 April 2010 at the Olde Barn, Marston.

Scottish retail has experienced its worst February - both in terms of like for like and total sales - since records began in 1999, according to a report by the British Retail Consortium.

Luxury lingerie and swimwear brand Myla London has launched its debut bridal collection for Spring Summer 2010.

Marks and Spencer will bring forward its bonus payments for 2010 to beat the 50 per cent tax rate being introduced next month.

Former chief executive of La Senza, Rose Foster, has announced she will be working with Ministry of Sound to open a chain of clothing stores under its Hed Kandi brand name.

Debenhams has reported that it has gained market share following improvements in like-for-like sales, rising 0.3 per cent in the six months to 27 February 2010.

Consumers in London continue to defy the recession as the British Retail Consortium have released figures that show that retail sales in Central London in February 2010 were 9.9% higher on a like-for-like basis than a year ago.

Swiss luxury group Richemont, which currently owns a 28 per cent stake in Net-a-Porter, is thought to be in discussions with the successful etailer to buy out the shares in the business that it does not own, valuing the online store in the region of £350m.

House of Fraser chairman Don McCarthy has revealed that like-for-like sales rose 10 per cent in the first five weeks of its financial year to 7 March 2010, with a strong sales performance from its own-brand offering.

Liberty has released a statement to say it has officially exchanged contracts on the sale of its freehold in London for £41.5m to Sirosa Liberty.

Attendance at last week’s Textile Forum exhibition matched the record figure of the October 2009 show to further underline the importance of this fashion fabric show in the capital, with more visitors placing good orders as well as sampling.

Fantasie launched the K cup two years ago; however, only now are retailers recognising there is a real need for the size as Selfridges take on the larger cup.

Following a successful three-year relationship, Australian swimwear brand Zoggs is set to launch its first ever cup-sized fashion swimwear range in collaboration with Bravissimo.

Everywoman, the UK’s largest independent network for women in business, is welcoming entries from women in retail for their third Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Awards, providing an opportunity to shine the spotlight on women who have steered their companies through tough economic times.

Student Jane Maffre from De Montfort University's Retail Buying (Fashion) degree course has won a window design competition for John Lewis in Leicester, highlighting their bra fitting services and the lingerie on offer. This week, thousands of shoppers will be able to see her creative talent on show at the store.

With increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability and locally sourced products, the UK Fashion and Textile Association is launching a Let’s Make It Here initiative.

The AIS show for independent lingerie and legwear retailers took place at Cranmore Park, 9 - 11 March 2010. Bringing together over 80 brands, the AIS award winners have been announced.

The former managing director of Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity, Marco Capello, is rumoured to be ready to buy department store Liberty.

John Lewis has proven the rewards that investment in online can bring by doubling sales through their website since they relaunched it in September 2009.

As competition in the shapewear market continues to build to saturation point, companies that use innovation to make their products stand out from the crowd will thrive. Beauty Slim claims to use fabric technology to substantially reduce cellulite and aid weight loss.

On 22 March 2010, the Marlies Dekkers headquarters will move to the renovated Central Post building in Rotterdam.

The Eternal Spirits boutique in Nottingham has closed for business; however, designer Susi Henson has announced that the brand will continue.

The Eveden team of ‘Bra Doctors’ will be at Selfridges flagship store at Oxford Street 11am – 6pm on Saturday 13 March to offer customers bra fittings.

Invista, owner of the Lycra brand, has announced a new commercial programme with Italian lingerie specialist Ritratti to create an entire collection using Lycra 2.0 tape - one of Invista’s latest innovations.

Lindsay Lohan has reportedly been dropped as artistic advisor of luxury fashion house Emanuel Ungaro.

The British Retail Consortium has reported UK retail sales growth of 2.2% on a like-for-like basis in February 2010.

Ex-model Kenya Cretegny opened the Apartment C store in Marylebone to bring decadence and escapism back into buying lingerie. Having already amassed a dedicated following of shoppers after being showcased in press like Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, the store has now launched online.

Speedo has launched its new Shapeline range, aimed to suit different body shapes in what it describes as 'the nearest thing to a made-to-measure swimsuit.'

Internet and home shopping group N Brown has launched a new plus size brand called That’s My Style, which will offer a range of larger sized lingerie options.

John Lewis has given Commercial Director Andrea O’Donnell responsibility for retail development and implementation in addition to her current duties for multichannel and online selling, bringing together ‘bricks and clicks’ growth under one director.

George at Asda today stepped up the competition on its rivals M&S, Primark and other supermarket chains by launching a 100-day returns policy on all of its goods.

Ebay has announced its plans to launch a fashion-specific section on its website within the next two months, focussing on sellers offering high-volume branded fashion.

Following records sales, staff at the John Lewis Partnership are in line to receive around 14 per cent of their annual salary in bonuses this week.

The winners of the annual consumer fashion awards, run by Cosmopolitan magazine and judged by Cosmo readers and a panel of experts, have been announced and include La Senza and ASOS.

Urban Outfitters followed an announcement of record 2009 sales with their plan to extend the business in 2011 by launching an as yet unnamed bridal brand providing bridalwear, accessories and intimate apparel.

Supermarket giant Asda will be pushing its online offering for their George at Asda range, which includes lingerie.

Freya have launched their educational bra fitting campaign Holy Fit, which includes the release of limited edition T-shirts and a website highlighting the importance of a correctly fitting bra.

Agent Provocateur has announced the appointment of former Aquascutum chief executive Kim Winser as chairman, replacing Stuart Rose who recently stepped down from the post.

A higher percentage of UK adults bought or ordered goods and services over the internet in 2009 than in any other EU country, with La Senza and Figleaves performing particularly well.

Like-for-like sales rose only 5 per cent from January 2009 to January 2010, the lowest annual growth rate in the history of the e-Retail Sales Index.

Deputy chairman of Marks and Spencer Sir David Michels has announced he will not be replacing Sir Stuart Rose as chairman of the department store chain.

Debenhams is the first high street retailer to break the taboo of using disabled models in its campaign photography.

Calvin Klein Underwear has announced the nine finalists of the 9 Countries, 9 Men, 1 Winner pan-European male model competition.

Wholesale lingerie, homewear and swimwear agency Philippa Bradley Agencies has expanded for the first time in 30 years to include children’s swimwear and beachwear to its offering.

INVISTA is taking a strong stance against trademark misuse. The owner of the LYCRA brand will launch an advertising campaign to reinforce the importance of protecting the value of its trademarks.

Marks and Spencer has announced a programme to become the world’s most sustainable retailer by 2015, launching 80 new commitments under their eco and ethical Plan A.

Bravissimo have signed up five customers who embody their curvy ethos to take part in a new advertising campaign.

Liberty has announced to the Stock Exchange that it’s considering the sale of its freehold flagship store in London’s West End.

The British Retail Consortium has urged the Government to cut public spending rather than increase taxes in its next Budget.

Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics has confirmed some of the world’s leading textile suppliers as exhibitors at the show from 30 March – 1 April 2010 at the China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing.

From 12pm on Saturday 6 March 2010, the Retail Trust will be entertaining shoppers on Oxford Street by showcasing its four Search for a Star finalists in House of Fraser’s shop window.

Selfridges has launched a beta version of its e-tail site to a handful of customers that features a lingerie area and a specialised lingerie ‘Brand Room’.

Fashion sales at John Lewis have increased by 21 per cent in store and by a massive 123 per cent online.

Following the announcement of its imminent closure, Lewis’s is now trying to secure a space in a new £160million development on Ranelagh Street, Liverpool.

Deborah Fleming of Pistol Panties is the next in a long line of designers to create a range for the high street. The Disco diffusion line will be available exclusively at John Lewis from 1 May 2010.

Boudoir at London Fashion Week has been labelled a success following a strong attendance of press and buyers.

Moda’s first lingerie exhibition closed in an upbeat mood despite poor weather conditions in parts of the country.

Harrods will open a Maternity Boutique in the autumn that has been described as ‘the ultimate shopping destination for mothers-to-be’ and will include maternity wear and lingerie ranges.

Iconic Liverpool department store Lewis’s has announced its closure after 154 years of trading. It will close down in June 2010 resulting in the loss of over 200 jobs.

Spanish retailer Cortefiel will bring three retail chains to Britain, including lingerie specialist Women’s Secret.

Department store chain Debenhams is trialling plus size mannequins in its shop windows.

London Fashion Week has opened at Somerset House. The Lingerie Boudoir, supported by Lingerie Buyer, featuring brands like Triumph, Ell & Cee, Nichole de Carle and Sculptz also opened its doors.

Since merging into Arcadia in 2009, Bhs is going to be given an image overhaul by Sir Philip Green.

The deadline for nominations for this year’s Apprenticeship Awards is fast approaching. Retail apprentices and their employers need to enter the competition before 26 February 2010.

The Star in a Bra competition deadline is looming, open to naturally curvy girls until 30 April 2010. The winner will become the new face of fuller bust brand Curvy Kate.

House of Fraser is looking to fund an expansion of its own ranges, which currently account for 10 per cent of the total sales at the department store, by renegotiating its banking covenants.

New lingerie label DimitySO will launch in the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand for Spring Summer 2010.

EBI Apparel has completed its acquisition of Ballet Lingerie.

Marks and Spencer and Next are just two of the major UK retailers that will suffer as a result of the European Union’s decision to suspend trade benefits for Sri Lanka due to human rights issues.

According to reports, Madonna is in talks to launch a new clothing line with Macy’s in the US, which will include lingerie.

The Vanity Fair collection is to be renamed Bestform Lingerie in the UK after its French sister brand.

Business rates will rise steeply for many retailers on 1 April 2010, leading to widespread anger from businesses whose profits have already been hit hard by the recession.

The deadline for entry into this year’s UK Fashion Export Awards is set for 26 February 2010.

Sales of fashion at John Lewis rose an incredible 42 per cent year-on-year to 6 February 2010 in its strongest growth for two years.

Nylatex, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of fabrics for intimate apparel, has ceased trading with the loss of 80 jobs.

Lingerie and swimwear manufacturer Stirling Group has closed its Nottingham factory, resulting in another 48 job losses since it went into administration last month.

The British Retail Consortium have reported that retail sales growth in the capital has hit a five-year low following reduced footfall caused by poor weather conditions and a reduction in sales and discounting compared with the same period a year ago.

To celebrate their 15th anniversary, Cyell have commissioned a keychain with a wooden heart to thank retailers for their support.

Sunday 21 February 2010 will be a historic day as the first on-schedule lingerie event takes place at London Fashion Week, courtesy of Boudoir.

The February issue of Lingerie Buyer is out now. Make sure you get your copy for the inside track on everything you need to know about Autumn Winter 2010.

Department store giant John Lewis has appointed Andrew Murphy as its new Director of Retail Operations.

Jockey underwear sales have seen a huge uplift of around 30 per cent following a major retail expansion.

The number of retail outlets lying empty rose to 12.4 per cent in the last half of 2009, an increase of 2.4 per cent compared with the first six months of the year.

Ballet Lingerie went into administration last week but is set to be rescued by major shareholder EBI Apparel.

Vivienne Westwood is known for her strong environmental views but she surprised listeners of BBC London this morning when she suggested that shoppers should stop buying clothes altogether for at least six months.

Tamara Salmon, the creative director of Liberty of London, is reported to have been replaced by Ed Bustell following her resignation.

Robert Duffy – the company president at Marc Jacobs – has revealed his plans to debut a Marc Jacobs lingerie line for Spring Summer 2011.

Jean Paul Gaultier has admitted that he once designed a corset for his cat but soon realised it wasn’t a good idea.

Marks and Spencer has announced its new SS10 model line-up with a few new faces making surprise appearances.

High street retailer Monsoon have unveiled Rosie Huntington Whiteley as the new face of their Spring Summer 2010 lingerie campaign.

Popular lingerie e-tailer Figleaves has been approached with bids for investment from several different investors.

Following the success of football screenings and movies in 3D as well as the announcement of Sky’s new 3D channel, fashion isn’t far behind as Burberry plans to screen an upcoming catwalk show in 3D at private events across the world.

Fantasie has come up with an innovative way of utilising social media to help consumers with Valentine’s Day gifts. The new Fantasie Facebook application lets women give their partners a nudge in the right direction when deciding what lingerie to buy as a gift.

New luxury lingerie and bodywear brand Obey My Demand has released a debut collection specialising in leather.

Burlesque star Dita Von Teese has designed a new limited edition eye mask for Moschino’s nightwear range with profits going to an AIDS charity.

It’s been announced that the current Debenhams marketing director Alison Jones is set to join the Arcadia Group.

German nightwear brand Féraud has reorganised its product concept for Autumn Winter 2010 by breaking down the collection into three distinct groups – Black, Red and White.

Life really isn’t fair as UK lingerie brand Life's Not Fair But My Knickers Are discovered when most of their samples were stolen from their stand the night before Salon International de la Lingerie.

Marie Jo L'Aventure has collaborated with Flemish artist Van de Vorst - a designer of bespoke furniture - to design a translation of what lingerie could be.

Italian fabric manufacturer Eurojersey has been running its Eco System green initiative for two years and has now launched a new eco-friendly colour printing process called Eco Print.

Marc Bolland is to take over as Chief Executive at Marks and Spencer. His appointment, however, has drawn criticism from investors and shareholders after it emerged he’ll receive a £15m golden hello from the retailer.

The future of lingerie retailer La Senza has been secured as private equity firm Lion Capital has acquired 100 per cent of the long-term debt of the store.

John Lewis has been appointed the official department store provider of the London Olympics 2012 by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

Despite rumours that Naomi Campbell was set to become the new face of Britain’s Next Top Model, Australian supermodel and lingerie brand owner Elle Mcpherson will be taking over the role.

Following the retirement of John Lovering, Debenhams have named Nigel Northridge as their new chairman.

Agent Provocateur co-founder and Vivienne Westwood’s son Joe Corre has moved away from the lingerie industry and joined British make-up brand Illamasqua as a shareholder and key investor.

Cheshire-based lingerie and swimwear supplier Stirling Group, a company that designs and manufactures clothing for well-known retailers such as Marks and Spencers, has gone into administration.

Swimwear designer Melissa Odabash will donate 25 per cent of every sale of her Haiti bikini to Unicef to help the victims of the earthquake.

Billie Piper spends much of her on-screen time on Secret Diary of a Call Girl in her lingerie. In the new series, which airs from 28 January 2010, Piper’s character Belle will be wearing Pleasure State Couture.

It was announced today that the UK has officially exited the longest recession in modern history albeit by less than originally hoped. The economy grew just 0.1 per cent between October and December 2009, below the predicted 0.4 per cent increase.

The annual London Grosvenor House Ball on 25 January 2010 saw the retail industry rallying round, pledging £1million to the Retail Trust charity.

In January, Sunseeker Australia hosted a focus group in Hong Kong with Australian, British, Canadian and German participants to obtain feedback on their 2011 prototypes.

The annual UK Fashion and Textile Export Awards, taking place on 13 May at The Landmark in London, has a new look for 2010 with the inclusion of textiles in the competition.

From the catwalk to the stage, Lily Allen wowed the crowds at a gig in Australia wearing nothing but a lace corset and Chanel mock stockings.

The Nielsen-British Retail Consortium Consumer Confidence Survey has shown that consumer confidence has increased for the third consecutive quarter.

In a Sunday Times report, shadow business secretary Kenneth Clarke has warned against spending cuts, hinting that a Tory government might raise VAT to 20 per cent as an emergency deficit-cutting measure.

According to new research, bra fitting services at high street stores aren't meeting the needs of consumers with only one in three bras sold following a consultation fitting properly.

Debenhams has entered a consultation process with 2,400 staff in the Republic of Ireland as it readies itself for 170 full-time job losses.

ASOS has launched its first plus-size range, aimed at sizes 20-26. Called ASOS Curve, it will include a range of womenswear and swimwear.

Harrods has announced the appointment of former Debenhams head of direct David Worby to lead its online devision, starting 1 February 2010.

Whilst George at Asda, Primark and Tesco all gain valuable clothing market share for 2009, Marks and Spencer have lost ground, falling 40 basis points by value and 60 basis points in volume.

Fashion etailers have had a very successful Christmas as consumers spent more than £500m on clothing, accessories and footwear in December with sales of lingerie increasing by 15 per cent compared with the same period in 2008.

Rochdale Council is being lobbied by an association of indies requesting funding to help attract footfall to the area, which has been particularly badly hit by the recession, losing shoppers to Bury and Manchester.

Online retailer Kiniki is looking to boost sales of its popular tan through swimwear by seeking new trade partners in time for summer 2010.

Director Justin Anderson has created a short film for lingerie brand Damaris entitled Chore, bringing together the worlds of lingerie and housework.

Following an expansion of her clothing line, Paris Hilton is launching her new collection of lingerie and swimwear to hit stores in Europe and the US for SS10.

Maternity lingerie brand Womama will have its official trade launch in February 2010. Established in New Zealand and Australia, Womama has a number of key potential stockists lined up for the UK launch.

Big bra specialists Bravissimo are the latest retailer to stock the new fuller cup brand Curvy Kate, following a very successful launch in early 2009.

Curvy Kate have teamed up with De Montfort University as part of their Contour Design course to find the next big thing in fuller-cup bra design. Design students on the course have been asked to create a DD+ piece that adheres to the brand’s modern, fun personality.

Arcadia Group, whose portfolio includes Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Wallis, Burton and flagship store Topshop, have announced they will be closing 10 BHS stores with value chain Primark taking over the leases.

As awards season rolls around again all eyes turn to the Golden Globes, Oscars, Brits and the Grammys. This year, Marlies Dekkers will showcase her lingerie designs during the seventh annual Grammy Style Studio – the academy’s official styling suite.

Contemporary Lingerie Design by Katie Dominy features the work of 30 lingerie designers from around the world, providing insight into their working methods.

Although Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been stealing the headlines with his appearance in the Emporio Armani underwear campaign, his club has released their own line of underwear for loyal fans.

UK accessories brand Red or Dead is launching a new hosiery line entitled Glorious Gussets.

Whilst many brands target the younger end of the market, with Calvin Klein even releasing a children’s underwear range, Playtex is going against the trend as it targets over 50s.

Freya has announced the launch of a limited edition collection of Laura Lees T-shirts to celebrate the release of their new educational bra fitting campaign Holy Fit.

After a tough year for the department store, sales have increased following a massive refurbishment to boost footfall.

Online fashion retailer ASOS has announced a 30 per cent increase in its Christmas and New Year sales.

British model Rosie Huntington Whiteley appears in the Victoria’s Secret Valentine’s advertising campaign in a series of photos that have just been released to the consumer press.

January hasn’t been a good month for the High Street as snow and ice led to extreme weather warnings across the UK. Fashion sales and footfall into stores has taken a big hit; however, online sales have soared as a result.

Online fashion retailer My Wardrobe has increased its sales by 121 per cent for December 2009 and has grown significantly in just four and a half years of trading.

New luxury lingerie label Ma Mignonnette has revealed the first range from its debut collection, planned to hit stores for Valentine’s Day.

It’s been announced that Tony Blair is to make a foray into fashion when he takes up an advisory role with Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy.

As we head towards the launch of Spring/Summer 2010 lingerie and underwear lines in stores, a plethora of celebrity models have been announced as the new faces of big fashion brands. George Clooney’s girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis has now been named the new face of Roberto Cavalli underwear.

In a bid to raise the sex appeal of his men’s ranges, Giorgio Armani has made footballer Cristiano Ronaldo the face of Emporio Armani underwear. It follows the news of Megan Fox modelling Emporio Armani women’s underwear.

Warnaco has announced the expansion of Calvin Klein in Europe to include products aimed at the children’s market. The new range of underwear will be aimed at boys and girls aged 4-14 as well as selected baby items for infants up to 9 months old.

La Decollette has launched a new cupless bra designed to remove the vertical wrinkles that can develop at a woman’s cleavage.

Kensington Palace is set to be transformed into the Enchanted Palace as Vivienne Westwood, Stephen Jones, Boudicca, Aminaka Wilmont and William Tempest join set designer Echo Morgan for a series of fashion installations and displays exploring the stories behind the building's different spaces.

A survey by retail analysts Verdict Research of over 6,000 retailers has named John Lewis as Britain’s favourite retailer, ranking number one for customer satisfaction.

Asda has launched a new shapewear inspired dress and skirt called the Tummy Tamer as part of its George range of clothing.

Fifi Chachnil has opened her first boutique outside of France in the heart of London’s most upmarket shopping district, Knightsbridge.

Urban Outfitters' sister brand Anthropologie is opening a second store in London in March 2010, following the successful launch of its first European store on Regent Street.

Giorgio Armani has made a canny move in making Megan Fox – recently voted the sexiest woman in the world – the face of Emporio Armani women’s underwear and Armani jeans.

The UK may currently be in the grips of a Big Freeze but that didn’t stop some hardy Londoners from enjoying No Trousers on the Tube Day on Sunday 10 January, travelling on the tube in their underwear.

Nursery retailer Mamas and Papas, which sells maternity lingerie and nursing bras, has just agreed a package with HSBC to help fund business development and growth internationally.

Marks and Spencer boss Stuart Rose has expressed his fears for the High Street after 50 M&S stores were forced to close due to adverse weather conditions.

American brand Plush has been flying off the shelves at La Petite Coquette store in New York, following a similar run of freezing weather as experienced in the UK.

From her collaboration with Agent Provocateur to the launch of her underwear and nightwear lines for Topshop in 2009, Kate Moss is one of London’s biggest style icons. Now rumours surrounding her permanent move to Paris have been addressed.

Lindsay Lohan will be adding to her range of leggings for label 6126, following the brand’s success.

Bar Refaeli has been unveiled as the face of Passionata’s Spring Summer 2010 collection.

Marks and Spencer have launched a new range of men’s slimming vests and pants, hoping to capitalise on the popularity of shapewear for women.

The influence of Lady Gaga and Rhianna, coupled with the catwalk fad for underwear as outerwear, led to corset sales soaring over the Christmas period.

Bravissimo have announced that from January some of its key stores will no longer stock the brand's range of clothing, instead concentrating on lingerie and swimwear.

Hosiery brand Pex has announced the appointment of Mark Loveland as regional business development manager for the Midlands and north region.

Selfridges has just announced plans to introduce an e-commerce website, allowing customers to shop and buy online for the first time in its history.

Next has released its Christmas trading figures and as a result of higher than predicted sales targets the fashion retailer has raised its profit expectations for the current financial year.

The first of the big fashion retailers has announced its Christmas trading figures. John Lewis has reported record numbers with an increase in fashion and beauty sales of 22 per cent. Like for like sales were up 12.7 per cent in the five weeks preceding 2 January.

This week The City is set to receive Christmas Trading Updates from key retailers, including Next, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, providing insight into how the fashion retail sector did over the busy Christmas trading period.

Private Equity Investor Lion Capital is thought to be looking for new funding to save struggling lingerie chain La Senza.

The New Year honours list has been announced with many names from the fashion industry awarded OBEs by the Queen, including Michelle Mone.

With Boxing Day this year falling on a Saturday, stores holding out on offering discounts until after Christmas and the impending VAT increases in January, it’s looking like the day after Christmas will be a ‘Super Saturday’ for stores across the UK.

Next month’s Lingerie Buyer magazine includes in-depth coverage of the latest news as well as extensive fashion pages including the latest trends and products.

Find out what's coming up in January.

In the final week before Christmas, Next has amassed the largest number of hits online for apparel and accessories, according to Experian Hitwise.

Worldwide authority on colour Pantone has announced the colour of the year for 2010 is turquoise.

The British Fashion Council has confirmed that British designers Burberry Prorsum, Antonio Berardi, Jonathan Saunders, Matthew Williamson and Pringle of Scotland will return to the catwalk schedule for February’s London Fashion Week.

Although retailers have enjoyed three months of sales growth in the run-up to Christmas, flat sales are being predicted for the New Year.

Freya have announced details of a new sub-brand called Freya Lounge, launching next July for Autumn/Winter 2010.

Mounir Moufarrige, the president and chief executive of Emanuel Ungaro, has resigned and Marie Fournier hired as the company's new General Manager responsible for overseeing operations.

Lingerie brand Playful Promises has opened its first shop, located on Bethnal Green Road, East London. The new store houses lingerie in sizes XS-XL and bra sizes 32A-36DD as well as some jewellery.

John Lewis has recorded another record week following a run of strong sales with lingerie, in particular, doing well before Christmas.

After retailers in London posted their best November in three years, indications point to a surge in Christmas sales for 2009. Retail sales in Central London in November were over 13% higher like-for-like than this time last year, when sales fell in line with consumer confidence.

The Advertising Standards Agency has rejected sexism complaints surrounding Life on Mars actor Philip Glenister’s role in the M&S Christmas TV advertising campaign, following over 100 complaints from viewers.

The British Fashion Council has announced this year’s NEWGEN sponsorship recipients, showing at London Fashion Week in February 2010. Supported by Topshop, 19 designers in all have been sponsored for next year’s event.

High street giant Topshop has launched an exclusive charity initiative at its Oxford Street flagship store.

Cult London fragrance boutique Miller Harris has launched The Edit, a collection of lifestyle products, to extend it’s range of fragrances.

H PR LONDON, formerly BCPR, has announced it will be working alongside the luxury swim and resort sales showroom Studio Thirteen on a key selection of its swim and resort labels.

Maternity and baby brand Mamas & Papas is to launch a 31-piece collection of own-brand underwear.

Lingerie brand Agent Provocateur is adding a new string to its bow with a bijoux collection of fine jewellery available in January.

Harrogate and Bournemouth will be the venues for two exciting new Lingerie Roadshows in Spring 2010. 

Luella Bartley Limited  announces it's to cease trading.

International design, fashion and lifestyle magazine Wallpaper* is opening its first retail store in Milan, Italy.

American lingerie chain looking at Street area for location to rival Marks & Spencer

Ultimo founder Michelle Mone calls for an end to airbrushing of models after the Ralph Lauren debacle involving model Filippa Hamilton who was airbrushed so her head was larger than her waist.

British Vogue and The British Fashion Council announce the launch of new designer support scheme - The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Barbie, Christian Louboutin to rework his signature peep-toe style shoe in fuchsia pink for the iconic doll.

Ell & Cee's new collection, Flight of Fancy, has been flying off the shelves at Liberites, underlining why this is a brand to watch out for.

Three students are proving where there's a will there's a way with a lingerie website dedicated to 'versatile, vibrant and sophisticated underwear' that's already proving popular - with an ethos on 'showing your beautiful bottoms'.

High-street lingerie and sex toy specialist retailer Ann Summers has launched everyday lingerie range Pure Lace to attract a customer looking for more basic items in addition to occasion lingerie.

Maidenform has appointed Jane Denereaz as its new UK commercial director as it seeks to strengthen its business in, and develop its products for, the UK market.

Panache has opened a sales office in Mannheim, Germany, to provide a central base for the Germany sales force and to offer native-speaking customer support.

Italian textile company Eurojersey has teamed up with UK conservation charity The World Land Trust to help protect the Atlantic rainforests of Misiones in Argentina via sales of its eco- sustainable brand Sensitive.

Sloggi turns 30 this year and, in celebration of its 1979 launch, the brand has launched a retro-inspired collection entitled Seventies.

Shock Absorber has launched a new range of sports bras designed specifically for running, ball sports and racquet sports.

Australian maternity and nursing lingerie label Cake Lingerie is setting up a UK base and distribution hub in a bid to heighten its profile further following a successful couple of seasons since its UK launch.

Bravissimo is expanding its own-label offer even further with the launch of its first bra and a swimwear range.

Table sales for the Retail Trust London Ball 2010 are the fastest selling to date, with retailers including Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser, Jaeger, Asos, Harvey Nichols and Debenhams set to attend.

High-street brand Monsoon has extended its product portfolio with the launch of a lingerie and nightwear collection.

The latest issue of Lingerie Buyer magazine is now available, packed with news, features and events from the industry.

Lepel and Charnos Lingerie will be the focus of an investment and growth strategy following their acquisition by Leicester-based Linwood Fabrics last month after two months in administration.

Australian swimwear brand Zoggs has appointed David Annand in the new role of head of UK marketing operations in response to the company’s continued growth in the UK.

Figleaves.com has been revamped to increase its reach to the fashion-conscious consumer and strengthen its position as a gift destination.

Retail trade associations The British Shops & Stores Association (BSSA) and British Hardware Association (BHF) merged at the end of last month in a move to strengthen representation for non-food retailers.

US Lingerie giant Victoria Secrets will once again feature third party European brands as a part of its portfolio or products.

Sonia Rykiel is the latest designer to lend their cult signature to the H&M store, allowing women around the world to buy into a piece of the Rykiel lifestyle.

Henry Holland, the designer behind the underground London label House of Holland, has launched a collaboration with hosiery brand Pretty Polly.

Asos womenswear buyer Anna Baxter talks about this season's key looks and the lingerie to go with them.

It’s that time of the year again. The city famous for the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumphe and impossibly chic inhabitants opened its doors once again to the world’s fashionistas and glitterati for the Spring/Summer 2010 edition of Paris Fashion Week.

The Boudoir at London Fashion Week was one of the highlights at this year’s London Fashion Week with the historic Navy Boardroom providing a perfect backdrop for the designer lingerie collections. Perfumes by Alex Soveral and millinery by Piers Atkinson added to the buzzing atmosphere of the stand.

Lingerie Buyer Online talks to David Finlayson, a senior fashion retail figure in the global marketplace for more than twenty-five years with a reputation for steering brands to commercial success.

The Lingerie Boudoir room in Somerset House at London Fashion Week will aim to give the buyers and press attending the 25th anniversary of the event the ultimate boudoir experience, teasing all five senses.

The 25th London Fashion Week, taking place in London’s historic Somerset house from 18-22 of September, is proud to present a new addition – The Lingerie Boudoir.

Marlies Dekkers has launched five new lingerie collections inspired by the energetic spirit of the 17th Century Dutch Golden Age.

The August edition of the Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition was packed full of interesting bits and pieces, ranging from answers to perpetual lingerie dilemmas to displays of modesty from incredibly talented designers.

The final day at the Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition saw a calmer day as expected, however, steady and solid trading was reported by many exhibitors.

Following the success of the first day, the Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear exhibition reported a solid second day of trading.

The first day at the Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear exhibition was packed with events and interesting features that caused a great deal of interest from buyers and exhibitors.

The latest issue of Lingerie Buyer magazine, featuring all the latest news and events taking place at the Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition, has just been published.

Steve Waller of LOIS is one of those people so passionate about his product that his enthusiasm is infectious. From a retail background himself, Steve developed the integrated EPOS an e-commerce software solution from a retailer’s perspective to provide a tailored solution for his fashion business that he could not get from the off-the-shelf systems available at the time.

New technology, new gadgets, new media… the business world is changing faster than ever before, and those companies that successfully navigate the new landscape are the ones that are not afraid to embrace change.

The August Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition is shaping up to be the most exciting show in a long time. We are always thrilled to announce last minute additions to the already exciting milieu of brands, but these late-notice surprises are particularly exciting.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the joint administrators of Intimas Group, say signs are positive that a sale will be secured shortly.

Quality, support, value and variety are among swimwear buyers’ wants for s/s 10, with independents visiting the Harrogate Lingerie & Swimwear Exhibition, Moda Beach and the London Swimwear Week during August.

Elle Macpherson Intimates moved into a number of new markets last month, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as part of a plan to build on the brand’s success.

Nightwear brand White Mischief has appointed sleep and homewear group Costex as its new distributor.

Companies that make special efforts to retain and nurture older employees are more likely to retain the loyalty of older consumers, a new study by independent HR and talent consultancy Transformation reveals.

This month, Derek Laing takes on the new role of global supply chain director at Eveden, as part of the company’s continual developments to strengthen its production chain.

Global swimwear brand Speedo is strengthening its commitment to the East Midland economy by moving its international headquarters to a new office in Nottingham.

Kent-based lingerie company Intimates has signed an agreement to become the UK and Ireland distributor for nightwear and loungewear by American brands DKNY and Donna Karen.

Luxury lingerie label Bordelle has launched a members-only online shop to give customers the chance to access a personalised service.

Paul Fashion Agencies has been appointed new UK representative for US label Le Mystere. The agency will be responsible for growing the brand through independent retailers, while the department store business will be handled in-house.

MJM International has launched its second Miss Ultimo collection and is hoping it will have as much impact on the market as the initial range, which was launched in April and sold out in just four weeks.

A number of the high street’s top names, including Agent Provocateur, have signed up to take part in a shopping event organised by Vogue magazine in a move to drive consumers back into stores.

Dutch lingerie retailer Hunkemöller, which currently operates 437 stores in seven European countries, is strengthening its management team as part of a strategy to grow the business over the next three years.

Dutch lingerie brand Marlies Dekkers has appointed Hornvale to distribute the brand across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Clothing manufacturer Fordville has become the certified licensee for Purple Ronnie and will launch the first official collection of Purple Ronnie underwear, loungewear and nightwear at Harrogate this month.

According to consumer research specialist Mintel, teen spending, particularly by girls, represents a billion pound consumer force to be reckoned with. So, why is it that lingerie independents seldom cater for this market?

Resort wear label Papillon Bleu celebrate the fruits of their labour as a result of their second year exhibiting at the Miami Swim Show supported by UK Fashion Exports.

There are times in life when we all need good advice. A problem shared is a problem halved and all that. Advice is especially welcome if it is unbiased and delivered at the very moment you are about the make a decision. That's why the Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear exhibition will be providing dedicated helpers to ensure you get the most out of the show.

Ah, the joys of bringing a baby into the world! The expectation, the elation, the tears of joy, the baby weight, the sleepless nights and the demons lurking in your underwear drawer...

In a bid to create the perfect platform for underwear sales of top end, directional, British brands, a little slice of London Fashion Week is brought to Harrogate with the assistance of the Lingerie Buyer grants for up and coming designer labels.