By Tet Yap

Charles Jourdan footwear is about to file for bankcruptcy in France, citing more than £6 million of debts. It will close its manufacturing unit, marketing division in France and part of its retail set-up. It has already outsourced handbag production but this has been unsuccessful in producing profit. Another French footwear brand in bankruptcy proceedings is Stephane Kelian.

Dunlop has collaborated with Bjorn Borg to produce a series of trendy tennis shoes with the tennis legend's signature print. Borg has contributed to the technical details of the shoes, which will be launched in November.

Red Wing's spring 06 collection will see a launch of a lifestyle and casual range in lightweight styles (featuring the trademark crepe soles), to broaden their appeal beyond their current fans of their famous work boots.

Famous retro-sunglass label Oliver Goldsmith will produce its first ready-to- wear collection for 20 years. Launching in October 2005, they will feature 12 new covetable styles. Their couture range (available in Celux) was re- launched in spring 2005.

Heard of Phillip Sommerville? The milliner to the Queen of England has launched a cool diffusion line for trendy young things called Dillon. His first range includes caps and trilbies with asymmetric fronts and distressed borders; as well as straw hats with quills and butterfly themes. Low profile high-class cool.

J Lindeberg has collaborated with Puma to produce a golf shoe.

Fashionista favourite, luxury luggage label Globe-Trotter will produce their first seasonal collection for Spring 2006. Aimed at the fashion market, it's set to rival Goyard and limited edition LVs on 1st class check-ins around the world

Identity crisis alert as ye olde school British labels Marks and Spencer and Jaeger have both hired the same model - Erin O'Connor - for autumn to promote their more trendy sub-brands. Observers point out that the campaigns for the fashion driven 'Limited Collection' range by M&S and the trend-led Jaeger London range may lose their impact and confuse consumers as a result

Madonna _ currently recuperating from her horse riding accident (apparently you have to suffer at least 7 falls to be a 'good' horse-rider!) will launch her new single 'Hung Up' on October 17th, followed by a dance-orientated album 'Confessions on a Dancefloor', on November the 15th. We're all hoping we'll see a return to form in all respects.

Inteantional correspondent Tet Yap