Asia - Unique Designs, Adventurous Customers: Fashionista Shopping Guide

As we mentioned before, Asia’s fashion market is growing fast, with many retail stores continuing to expand their product mixes from ready-to-wear to avant-garde pieces. Let’s have a look at Asian customers with the reflection of the dominant department stores in Asian region. The exclusive “women only” Idee Taipei was the first department store in Taiwan to move fashion jewelry to a prime location at the entrance, while shoes, handbags and cosmetics were at the back.

Idee Department Stores, Taipei

Targeting cosmopolitan women aged 18 to 35, brands carried at Idee are classified into two major categories - Japanese brands such as Tenshi no Tamago, Mirai Tenshi and Lovers Scene, which are mainly gift items and targeted at more conservative customers, and European and US brands, including Calvin Klein, Dyrberg/Kern, Agatha and Paris-based Clio Blue, for those looking for a strong identity and textured jewelry designs.

Products there are trend-driven and can give their customers this season’s look at the top of the list. But they also choose products that can be easily mixed and matched with the latest clothing trends.

Brands available on an exclusive basis include Taiwan designer label Little Egret and French brands such as Delphine Nardin, Il etait une fois, Fuzion and Anne Ghez.

Lane Crawford, Hong Kong

Lane Crawford is poised to become the hippest shopping destination after its facelift in 2005. In addition to its renowned designer-label clothing, fashion jewelry is a must-visit section, where a variety of up-to-the-minute labels are offered, ranging from ready-to-wear designs and evening jewelry to avant-garde pieces. Brands include most US brands, such as Erickson Beamon and Lee Angel together with new brands which are geared towards fashionable customers who are not afraid of trying new things as well as targeting up-scale, relatively more conservative high-spenders.

Isetan Shinjuku, Tokyo

Isetan Shinjuku is the hottest shopping spot in Tokyo carrying complete selections of Japanese and major international designer labels all in one place.

They display a wide selection of local and overseas fashion jewelry brands such as Mizuki, veretta 8va, Les Nereides, Satellite Paris, Amaro, Margo Morrison and Stephen Dweck, while high-end designer labels such as Chanel, Tiffany, De Beers and Mikimoto can also be found.

Highlights in fashion jewelry include New York designer Stephen, Margo Morrison’s collection features, American Japanese designer Mizuki, who emphasizes the combination of simple designs and Japanese heritage; Japanese brand veretta and the Amaro collection from Israel.

Siam Paragon, Bangkok

Launched in December 2005, mega-shopping center Siam Paragon developed by retail giant The Mall Group, is the largest jewelry shopping destination in Asia, housing several dozens of local and international jewelry brands under the same roof.

Shoppers have turned to items that are a little bit pricey but that have a unique design and character. For this category, however, understanding what the market requires is crucial. Prices still need to be kept at an affordable level, so both, designers and retailers have first to find out what customers want.  For example, Tippy & Mathew, combining vibrant colors and unique organic forms, is a sought-after local designer brand featured in Siam Paragon.

Material courtesy of Ken Barton Ltd., your Asia marketing PR partner and guru.

Kanye West and Louis Vuitton to Produce a Line of Sneakers Together

Way to go! If I was to release a line of sneakers, or a line of anything for that matter, I would definitely partner with a name like Louis Vuitton.  And giving credit to Marc Jacobs (a frequent topic of discussion at Fashion.Maga-Zine.com for a reason), he can smell style and a great business deal! The line of sneakers made in Paris is scheduled to be released at the end of 2009. An average price is rumored to hit a 700$ mark. Kanye West mentioned his own collection of shoes (among others) as the source of inspiration. The collection will include both, male and female models.

Materials referenced: intermoda.ru

At the Red Carpet with Atlanta Fairways & Highways Celebrity Golf & Biker Weekend 2009

On Thursday, June 25, 2009 - Saturday, June 27th, 2009 -  Lisa Raye, Chef G. Garvin ( TV One/ KFC spokesperson), Jacque Reid (National TV & Radio Personality), Terance Mathis (Atlanta Falcons), Kenny Lofton (MLB Hall of Famer) and other celebrities attended the first annual Fairways & Highways Celebrity Golf & Biker Weekend. With awareness being raised for the fight against domestic violence, on behalf of Fairways and Highways the county of Dekalb proclaimed June 25, 2009 as an official “Fight against Domestic Violence” Day. Executed by Shock Theory Interactive, this year’s philanthropic partner was the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence with special thanks to Alliance Asset Management. Events included a celebrity golf tournament, tour de luxe, a white glove bike ride showcasing the organizations advocacy against domestic violence, and the Red Carpet, of course. 

For us particularly, Red Carpet for celebrities and guests was the place of action. Fashion.Maga-Zine.com did not miss a chance to interview organizers and wives of celebrities attending the event. All of them were wearing stylish designer cocktail outfits but in response to our shopping and style questions, most of them admitted that they prefer simple pleasures of shopping in local malls as well as GAP, Banana Republic and other commonly known stores. Fashion.Maga-Zine.com captured some of celebrity moments on camera to share with our readers:

Watch Fairways & Highways Celebrity Golf & Biker Weekend 2009 Video

View All Fairways & Highways Celebrity Golf & Biker Weekend 2009 Photos (courtesy of The Garner Circle PR)

For more information: FairwaysandHighways.com

80-s Fashion in Fall/Winter 2009/2010 Women Styles

It is already quite clear that fall/winter 2009/2010 fashion is bringing back the 80-s fashion: a little of craziness from the past century (yes, indeed!). But what does it really mean? Leading world designers agree on mini skirts and abundance of leather in addition to sparkle, stripes, flower print and a very strong shoulder line. The combination of black and red is also becoming popular again but do not limit yourself to these colors only! Color (and a lot of it) is still in style, especially when it comes to accessories and hats. Handbags though are becoming much smaller in size but are as abundant in detail as colorful and unique. Remember, self-expression is in style in fall/winter 2009/2010 first of all. Be creative in choice of outfits and makeup looks, experiment and be yourself!

Photo source: signorina.ru

Sao Paulo Fashion Week: Hot Summer 2010 Fashion (Brazil)

Brazilian Fashion Week 2009 featuring hot summer 2010 styles took place in June 2009 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Gisele Bundchen and Jesus Luz both walked the runway for Colcci and demonstrated their hot summer outfits to the world. Among other designers, who participated in the Fashion Week in 2009 were 2nd Floor, Andre Lima, Animale, Ellus, Gloria Coelho, Huis Clos, Movimento, Neon, OESTUDIO, Triton, Ronaldo Fraga and many more.

So, what did we learn about Spring/Summer 2009 fashion season? First of all, all the colors and geometric designs will stay in style, as well as asymmetric elements in tops, dresses and swimsuits. Some of the above named designers showed a lot of creativity in swimwear design that is definitely worth seeing! Color blocking and cutout fashion also will stay in style, so save your favorite 2009 summer outfits for the next season. Colcci also suggested a very sexy and great looking laced up summer shoes that are rumored to become the hit of the season. And finally, purses and gloves. Handbags are becoming smaller and gloves are becoming one of the most popular accessories.

View All Photos of Sao Paulo Fashion Week - Summer 2010 Styles for Men and Women

Photo source: spfw.com.br