Shares of Perry Ellis International Inc plunged to their lowest levels in almost 8 years, as the apparel maker, stung by bigger discounts and ballooning costs, sees bleak days ahead amid a stormy retail environment.

For years the undisputed leader at high-end hair salons, L'Oreal is losing its shine as hair stylists turn to cheaper products from rivals such as Germany's Wella and Schwarzkopf to weather an economic downturn.

Wining, dining and fashion are still a priority for Asia-Pacific consumers, but a regional survey shows that the global financial crisis is motivating them to hunt for bargains and save more.

Brean Murray, Carret & Co downgraded J. Crew Group Inc to "sell" from "hold," saying the apparel retailer will need to slash prices earlier than it would like to combat an inventory buildup.

Luxury Italian fashion house Versace expects that strong demand from a still resilient Asia will help it ride out the current global economic turmoil, its CEO said on Wednesday.

British scientists called Wednesday for urgent research into the health implications of nanoparticles, which are found in a wide range of everyday products but whose effects are virtually unknown.

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South African retailer Mr Price boosted first-half profit by 11 percent as its low-cost clothes helped it grab market share in tough conditions, lifting its shares.

Philip Green, the billionaire owner of Bhs department stores and the Arcadia group of fashion companies, said he has purchased a 28 percent stake in Moss Bros and was considering making an offer for the mens fashion retailer.

Barack Obama's elegance and fashion sense has inspired a Bosnian company to name a new line of men's business suits after the US president-elect.

Bankrupt apparel retailer Harold's Stores Inc HRLS.PK will close all its 43 stores after a bankruptcy court approved plans for the chain to begin going-out-of business sales, liquidation adviser Gordon Brothers Group said on Tuesday.

Liz Claiborne Inc shares fell 16 percent on Tuesday, a day after the fashion company reported weak sales trends in the wake of the financial crisis that are likely to continue into next year.

Last year at this time, Kathy Johnson and her husband travelled to London and Paris, where she spent about $2,000 (1,288 pounds) on a shiny, red Louis Vuitton shoulder bag and a matching charm without much thought.

Watchmaker Fossil Inc posted better-than-expected quarterly results, but cut its fourth-quarter earnings outlook to reflect a weaker economy and pressure from the strengthening U.S. dollar, sending its shares down 6 percent.

Cowen & Co resumed coverage of Urban Outfitters Inc with a "neutral" rating, saying it liked the clothing and home goods retailer's long-term growth potential.