Thomas Burberry, founder and original designer for the British line, Burberry, can be credited for the development of the trench coat. He first designed the trench coat as a raincoat for an army officer during the United Kingdom War Office in 1901. It then became an optional coat to the heavy serge greatcoats worn by the British Army.The coat then had a basic uniform design. It was usually ten buttons long and double-breasted, typically in khaki or black. The coat was also developed with intricate details such as cuff straps, shoulder straps and most notable for its wrapped belt. Fabric used for the trench was ideal for protection from the cold, snow and rain.

Following World War II, the trench became a garment of business-like respectability and worn by popular fictional characters on the big screen such as Dick Tracy, Rick Blane from Casablanca, Audrey Hepburn for Breakfast at Tiffany's, and most recently on Keanu Reeves in the box office hit, The Matrix.

Later in the 1960's, the trench coat became the alternative to the fishtail parka or crombie, and was seen as a highly fashionable overcoat. The trench has also been portrayed as a provocative garment worn by women in an effort to conceal their bare bodies.

Since the days of war, the trench has become a staple piece of a fashionable wardrobe. It is especially a popular item during the winter for both men and women alike. Looks for the trench coat has transcended into short and long. Modern changes to the look also include pleated or voluminous skirts, short, wide sleeves, and a variation in fabrics. Its silhouette has also changed to be more tailored and fitted, and although styles and colors change each season, the look is a timeless classic.

If you think about haute couture (high fashion), you're likely to think of Paris, France. Paris has always been at the forefront of world fashion. Clothing designed in France makes it all around the world in a matter of weeks, with similar designs soon showing up from London to Hong Kong. French accessories aren't any different. Accessories designed in Paris are big business and often affect accessories fashion for the rest of the world. In 2009, the must-have French accessories are handbags, or purses, as the Americans call them. French handbags are known all over the world. From Louis Vuitton and Chanel to Etienne Aigner and Yves Saint Laurent, to lower priced but still beautiful bags from the likes of Jerome Gruet.

Started in 1893, Chanel is one of the most loved handbag designers in the world. This year's Chanel handbags are gorgeous, many of them with the typical Chanel chain handle, and all of them with the very familiar Chanel logo. En vogue colors are gray, red and black with some beiges and pinks thrown in for a little splash of color.

Louis Vuitton designs luxury leather luggage and purses. The Stephen Sprouse collection is popular this year, with bags having either the traditional brown and cream Louis Vuitton design base then overlaid with enormous red and pink flowers or with brightly colored graffiti on the same Louis Vuitton background.

Yves Saint Laurent , another of the high-end bag designers, has some sweet clutch purses for 2009 that are designed to look like the front of an envelope, complete with stamp and postmark. Adorable. They come in black or ivory patent leather. In tote bags, Yves Saint Laurent has a similar design that they call the Y-Mail Patent Tote Bag. Priced at around $500, it's actually not a bad price for something so unique and so exquisitely made.

Jerome Gruet has a little shop in Paris that specializes in beautiful quality canvas bags with contrasting trims. Jerome Gruet bags are great for a woman who likes a larger bag, because she carries everything with her including the kitchen sink.

Finally, check out Catherine Zarzecki who specializes in small handbags and clutches. What makes Catherine Zarzecki stand out is all of the accents on her bags are made with semi-precious stones. In 2009, she's gone with red, black, blues and greens with some very special limited edition silver clutch bags.

Whatever your bag style though, you'll find anything you're looking for in Paris.

If you know anything about China, you'd be correct in assuming most of the clothing bought by men and women in China is made in their own country. However, in the last few years, high fashion and designer brands have come to China and are becoming very popular.

China's annual Fashion Week is big news; last year more than 30 top designers showed their collections in Beijing. Chinese designers too are being schooled in record numbers as Chinese men and women realize China's more open society is allowing them to be more creative. High fashion with a Chinese-inspired flair is very popular with Western-style white wedding dresses accented with Chinese embroidery coming down the catwalk alongside Mongolian-style jackets and men's leather jackets decorated with traditional Chinese red.

China's women are also seeing an emergence of consumer freedom unheard of in what was once a repressive society. As Western designer brand clothing stores and bag stores open up in every major Chinese city, affluent Chinese women are visiting them in droves so they can have the latest DKNY bag or the newest Chanel shirt. Upwardly mobile Chinese men are buying Western designer suits and along with Chinese designed men's clothing made with a Chinese flair.

Add the new "Made in China" high fashion designers and Chinese men and women really are getting spoiled with choices. These new Chinese designers are educating people that it's possible to get haute couture or premium clothing from Chinese designers at less than a third of the cost of Western brands, because production costs in China are lower.

For Chinese designed women's fashion, check out Dorian Ho, whose Ho Couture high-end line of clothing is selling well in boutiques and showrooms in Europe and America. Ji Wenbo, the winner of China's most prestigious Golden Tripod award, is a Chinese men's fashion designer who's also making a name for himself in Europe as well as in China.

Iceland is probably known for its freezing cold weather more than anything else. Just because of its name, many people think it's a land made of ice and snow that never thaws. That's not exactly true! Iceland has seasons, just like anywhere else and, yes, people in Iceland do wear thick sweaters, jeans, scarves, gloves and down jackets. But they also wear modern lightweight fashion, just like in any other country and much of it is designed and made in Iceland. In fact, Iceland is known for its natural fabrics, handspun wools and handmade clothing - all of which are some of the best quality found anywhere in the world.

For true fashion, check out Icelandic fashion house Spaksmannsspjarir, which was created in 1993 by fashion designers Bjorg and Vala. In their newest creations, they use colors typical of Iceland's winters to create muted, yet beautiful natural clothing in flowing shapes and styles. Especially designed for women who are free-spirited and independent, Spaksmannsspjarir has a style easily recognizable as their own.

Chic raincoats are all the rage in Icelandic fashion, because even though it really doesn't get as much snow as you would expect, it does rain a lot! Most Icelanders will always have an umbrella with them. And don't forget the knitted wool hats and scarves, which are necessary for the wind.

In Iceland, you'll also see the famous Icelandic sweaters. Made from handspun wool and hand knitted, these sweaters and cardigans are usually designed in navy blues, grays, browns and off whites. With the traditional patterns around the neckline and bottom of the sweaters, Icelandic wool sweaters are true originals.

Another important fashion item is a sturdy pair of boots. Because Iceland does get a fair amount of ice during the winter, most Icelandic women will own several pairs of boots - but the small-heeled or flat kind, not the high-heeled ones you often see in the U.S. Staggering around in high-heeled boots on ice and snow would just make you stand out as a visitor.

For sheer drama though, you can't beat Iceland's Fashion Week, where Iceland's designers showcase their designs. It's usually held in odd places like up on a mountain or on a glacier, so Icelandic fashions look even more dramatic.

Metrosexual clothing has really taken off when it comes to Bangkok men's fashion. Metrosexual men are everywhere in Bangkok and more seem to appear every year. Now, if you're not familiar with the term metrosexual, it was coined in 1994 by a journalist in a British newspaper. A metrosexual man is a heterosexual man who lives in a city and is very concerned about fashion and his appearance. Metrosexual men spend a lot of money on fashion, skin care products, gyms and generally looking good. Metrosexual men in Thailand are no exception. In fact, I think a lot of Thai men spend even more money on their appearance than do western men.

And they are obsessed with clothes!

The metrosexual Thai man in Bangkok is usually found at one of two places: one of the many enormous malls in the Thai capital (because this is where all the western designer clothing can be found) or at Chatuchak market, South East Asia's largest outdoor market. Here the metrosexual man will shop for designer-looking clothing and shoes at street prices.

The most popular malls for metrosexual men are Siam Paragon and Central World Plaza where you'll find popular clothing brands like Guess, Jim Thompson, Bossini, Zara, Timberland and Next. Thai metrosexual men love clean-looking yet casual clothing that is beautifully cut and produced with top-quality fabric. They are also in love with Italian loafers, designer sunglasses and eyeglasses, belts, watches and even cufflinks. And don't forget skincare. Men's skincare products are the latest big thing for the Thai metrosexual man. In fact, the last time I was at the skincare counter at Paragon department store, I think there were more Thai men than women lined up trying to get trial products.

I'm a big fan of Bangkok's metrosexual men. Simply put, not only is the Thai metrosexual man nicely dressed and perfectly coiffed, but because of the Thai obsession with cleanliness, they smell nice too.

Australia is a country where pretty much everyone likes to be outdoors. So much so that Australians like their clothes and fashion to be casual and comfortable. Nobody wants to go to the beach in an overly designed dress or a restrictive pair of pants. Both men and women want casual fashion, and that's always been represented by each season's new designs. But, even while staying casual, Australian designers create innovative clothes with beautiful silhouettes, colors and patterns.

In 2009, this casualness is likely to continue with the following Australian designers representing the epitome of designing for comfort. Akira Isogawa uses natural fabrics - silks, cottons and vintage fabrics - to create soft and flowing dresses and skirts in primary colors. Isogawa likes black, white and red. He loves a layered look, with gorgeously embroidered skirts with long see-through vests worn over them or off-white, beautifully cut pants with a long-sleeve top with a tight bodice and flowing sleeves.

Lisa Ho specializes in cute, comfortable shorts paired with baggy tops and an equally baggy jacket, comfy pants or pretty, figure-flattering summer dresses. She's also famous for glamorous gowns worn by many of Australia's top actresses and entertainers. Her winter 2008 collection highlights browns and creams with, again, a layered look including raincoats, tight pants, pinafore dresses, sweaters and lovely gowns with elaborate designs and patterns in vibrant colors.

Saba designs both men and women's clothes that are quite simple in design, yet perfect in execution. This season, Saba's designs for women include brightly colored, simple t-shirts, simple short-sleeve shirts and even belts and clutch bags. For men, stripes and checks are in, with lots of khaki shorts and hats and woven belts - all designed with comfort in mind, yet with an eye for quality. Saba has been at the forefront of Australian contemporary fashion for more than 40 years and has influenced many of Australia's new crop of designers.

As you can see, fashion in Australia isn't likely to move away from comfort and casualness. Australian Fashion Week, which is held twice a year in May (in Sydney) and October/November (in Melbourne), is a fabulous time to check out Aussie fashion and Aussie designers.

If you think about men's clothing in Scotland, you can be forgiven if you're thinking mainly about the traditional Scottish dress - tartan kilts. After all, many of us grew up being told that Scotsmen wore nothing underneath their kilts, and, to this day, we're not really sure if that's true. Other than the famous kilt, though, Scotland is also world-famous for tweed. Tweed is a fabric that's made from rough wool that is woven into a distinctive pattern. Once old-fashioned and passé, tweed is now back in the forefront of Scottish men's fashion, primarily due to its durability and versatility.

Harris Tweed, the most famous tweed company in the world, has suddenly been inundated with orders from all over the world as men (and women) rediscover tweed. In Scotland, the land of tweed, it's no exception. Scottish men are remembering why tweed was so popular in the past and are adapting it to today's modern fashions.

Tweed is traditionally hand-woven and hand-dyed. In modern day Scotland, tweed jackets for men are now back in vogue. But, unlike before, where certain colors and patterns were acceptable, the designers of tweed men's jackets are now branching out. New twill patterns and colors are being seen on men all over Scotland and the UK. Traditional jacket styles are back, but so are more modern styles that are less fitted and even more comfortable. Tweed shoes are also being designed with companies like Converse getting in on the act.

Tartan, the other Scottish famous patterned fabric, also came back in style at the same time as tweed. Tartan, which is a horizontal and vertical striped pattern, comes in many colors. Specific tartans are also connected to specific 'clans' or families although, nowadays, it doesn't really matter if you're a member of that family or not. If you like the tartan pattern and feel cool in it, wear it. Unless, of course, you're not a member of the British Royal Family, in which case the 'Balmoral' pattern is out for you.

So, if you're a guy looking to be in fashion this winter and want clothing in a fabric that's warm, durable and fashionable, why not go a bit 'Braveheart'. You might not look as good as Mel Gibson but, then again, who does?

Bangkok, Thailand is the World's Hottest City. According to the World Meteorological Organization, Bangkok is the hottest city in the world because it doesn't cool down, even at night. I can vouch for that, as I've lived in Bangkok for almost six years, and yes, you can pretty much fry an egg on the sidewalk at midnight. Right now though, it's 'winter.' I put that word in quotation marks because winter in Thailand is not like any winter any Westerner has experienced. If we get 10 days below 80 degrees all 'winter,' that's a cold winter. We usually get three to four days and that's it. Even so, as soon as November hits, the Thais start buying warm winter coats and jackets.

Right now, in every Thai shopping mall and market, thick down jackets are on display. Racks and racks of stuffed down jackets, some even with fur around the collar. Thai girls and guys are lined up trying them on, while Westerners look on aghast that anybody could wear something that thick in 80-degree weather. I guess it's just what you're used to though. Thais grew up in extremely hot weather, and most didn't have air conditioning. So if it drops even 10 degrees, they're freezing. Yesterday, I watched three Thai girls arguing over whose hands landed first on a thick, black wooly sweater at my local department store. Meanwhile, I was swooning over spaghetti strap t-shirts, thinking how nice and cool I will be at the end of the month when I go to Phuket for a beach holiday.

Boots are also in vogue this month. On Saturday, I bought two pairs of cute silk flip flops while my Thai friend, Tua, told me today she bought a lovely pair of knee length boots. Boots? The thought of shoving my already par boiling feet into a pair of high, black leather boots fills me with dread. Tua, on the other hand, is now the height of fashion.

So remember, if you come to Thailand in winter, don't be surprised if you're sharing a cramped sky train carriage with Westerners in shorts, flip flops and boob tubes and Thais wearing polo-necked sweaters, long black down coats and boots. It's all in what you're used to, I suppose, but even six years living in Bangkok has not acclimatized me that much. And it doubt it ever will.

When you think about German clothing, you probably think about lederhosen (those traditional German dark green or black shorts that are held up by shoulder straps and worn with a white embroidered shirt) or dirndl, (the female version of the lederhosen but with a skirt instead of shorts). But in modern day Germany, things have changed a lot. No longer will you see traditional German clothing or German military uniforms, instead you'll see German high fashion in fashion shows all over Europe and beautifully cut casual sportswear worn by most Germans in everyday life. Used to a history that was militarized and restrictive, Germans have now escaped from this prison and want to feel relaxed and comfortable, while still looking elegant and beautifully put together.

Top German designers like Toni Dress, Hagro and Jobis are famous for their casual, yet elegant clothes. For winter 2008, Jobis is showcasing cream, figure-hugging stretch pants, lots of tight turtleneck sweaters, down coats in muted colors and superbly tailored short jackets. Hagro is offering floral skirts and long-flowing dresses with a country feel in navy blues and beiges. Toni Dress, known for its impeccably cut trousers and matching jackets, has yet another fabulous collection of designer jackets and pants. All beautiful quality, but all able to be worn comfortably.

Of course, Germany is also known for its most famous designer, Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld's career has been in the spotlight for more than 50 years. Originally, he was famous for the coats he designed, but more frequently now, he's known for his various "little black dress" designs. Lagerfeld also designs jeans and t-shirts (perfectly cut, of course), and his fitted t-shirts are now some of the most popular German fashion items.

Finally, I can't talk about German fashion without mentioning the German avant-garde designers. Known for their flamboyant, unusual designs with wild colors and a crazy, almost costume-like look, they are also often the muse for more conservative designs that are considered more wearable.

When it comes to fashion, Germany pretty much has it all. From the catwalks of Berlin and Munich to the normal everyday German on the street, German fashion has come a long way since the days of lederhosen and dirndl.

When you think about German clothing, you probably think about lederhosen (those traditional German dark green or black shorts that are held up by shoulder straps and worn with a white embroidered shirt) or dirndl, (the female version of the lederhosen but with a skirt instead of shorts). But in modern day Germany, things have changed a lot. No longer will you see traditional German clothing or German military uniforms, instead you'll see German high fashion in fashion shows all over Europe and beautifully cut casual sportswear worn by most Germans in everyday life. Used to a history that was militarized and restrictive, Germans have now escaped from this prison and want to feel relaxed and comfortable, while still looking elegant and beautifully put together.

Top German designers like Toni Dress, Hagro and Jobis are famous for their casual, yet elegant clothes. For winter 2008, Jobis is showcasing cream, figure-hugging stretch pants, lots of tight turtleneck sweaters, down coats in muted colors and superbly tailored short jackets. Hagro is offering floral skirts and long-flowing dresses with a country feel in navy blues and beiges. Toni Dress, known for its impeccably cut trousers and matching jackets, has yet another fabulous collection of designer jackets and pants. All beautiful quality, but all able to be worn comfortably.

Of course, Germany is also known for its most famous designer, Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld's career has been in the spotlight for more than 50 years. Originally, he was famous for the coats he designed, but more frequently now, he's known for his various "little black dress" designs. Lagerfeld also designs jeans and t-shirts (perfectly cut, of course), and his fitted t-shirts are now some of the most popular German fashion items.

Finally, I can't talk about German fashion without mentioning the German avant-garde designers. Known for their flamboyant, unusual designs with wild colors and a crazy, almost costume-like look, they are also often the muse for more conservative designs that are considered more wearable.

When it comes to fashion, Germany pretty much has it all. From the catwalks of Berlin and Munich to the normal everyday German on the street, German fashion has come a long way since the days of lederhosen and dirndl.

I've travelled in Asia for the last five years and have visited many countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. All of these countries are vastly different in culture and tradition, and to some extent, in fashion. But one thing I discovered in all of them is the Asian women's addiction to shoes. Sure, Sex and the City's Carrie had a shoe obsession, but most Asian girls easily have her beat.

In Thailand, girls are obsessed with high-heel, strappy sandals. They're available everywhere and come in every color and design you can imagine. No fashion-conscious Bangkok girl will ever have less than 30 pairs of shoes, and many have a lot more. One of my Thai friends, Tua, has over 60 pairs of shoes and adds to this collection every week. She loves the pointy-toed shoes, the sling-back sandals and even the peeptoe shoes. She also has a pair of Mary Jane's that is to die for. Tua loves shoes so much she actually gets a rush of excitement when she finds another cute pair and can't wait to try them on. If they fit, she's transported to a place of unimaginable joy. Now that's an obsession with shoes!

In Japan, a lot of Japanese girls are really into boots of all lengths (ankle boots were popular when I was there) and stylish flats that they can walk in. Japanese girls definitely seem to be more concerned about comfort than Thai girls, who will stagger around in the highest high-heel shoes just to look sexy. Funky Mary Jane's in moss green, brown and black are a big hit in Japan, and paired with the typical Japanese flair for fashion, they do look cool.

In Hong Kong, women seemed much like the Japanese during the day. Trendy, yet comfortable seems to be the order of the day; probably because Hong Kong is a walking city. So flat shoes, low-heeled boots and Doc Martens abound. But at night, even though you'll still see many of the flat shoes around the shopping areas, if you head to the Hong Kong nightclub or restaurant scene, designer high-heeled, strappy sandals hold sway.

If you're ever in Asia and you love shoes, you'll fit right in. For Asian girls, the shoe is often more important than the clothes.

When I think of Ireland, I think of green hills, Guinness beer, the potato famine and lots of chunky girls wearing dumpy, dark, ugly clothes. Yeah, well, I did grow up in England, and we tend to be a bit prejudiced. But I am smart enough to admit when I'm wrong. The bit about the chunky girls wearing dumpy, dark, ugly clothes, that is. Maybe that was Ireland 75 years ago, but it's not today. Irish girls are stylish, street hip and fashionable, and a lot of them are really pretty. So, if you're going to be in Ireland what's the street style like?

First of all, knitwear. Irish girls wear a lot of sweaters, cardigans and hats. Well, you've kind of have to. It is still cold there most of the year. The knitwear is gorgeous. Made with the softest lambs' wool and handmade, an Irish sweater will last for a couple of generations. The layered look is also in style. Leggings or a short or knee-length skirt on the bottom, with a t-shirt and shirt on top, and then a short or cropped jacket. Pair all these up with a long scarf and a pair of high heels, and you're the height of fashion in Dublin. Tartan has also been in for a couple of seasons and definitely gives an outfit an authentic flair. Bags, this winter season, are huge and roomy. You pretty much could carry a 6-pack of Guinness in most of them, with enough room for the kitchen sink and a microwave.

For guys, Wrangler jeans, a shirt and a shoulder bag worn across the body (all in muted or dark colors) looks cool. A vintage t-shirt, shirt and jeans looks even better. Oxfam (the huge British charity shop chain) is very popular, and you'll see many an Irish fashion follower rummaging through the Oxfam racks.

The great thing about Ireland is innovation and a slightly crazy style is admired. Even an outfit that could look quite boring is worn with a funky shawl, scarf or beads and some high heel boots and a weird and wonderful bag. Ireland. Quirky is almost normal here.

Living in S.E. Asia, I travel to Malaysia all the time. It's an amazing country, full of really friendly people but the most interesting thing is the melding of three different Malaysian cultures and the three different fashions that come with this.

The main cultures in Malaysia are Malay, Chinese and Indian. The majority of people are Muslim, followed by Chinese Malaysians and Indian Malaysians. What you notice in the cities in Malaysia though is, although these three cultures are traditional, many of the women dress in cool, fashionable and stylish clothing that would be in vogue almost anywhere in the world.

Malay women wear either Western clothing (lots of jeans, cute t shirts and tops, lovely spring and summer dresses, and short jackets) or the traditional Malay dress. This is called a Baju Kurung, a floor length skirt with a long-sleeved or three-quarter sleeved long-bodiced top that ends below the hips. These are beautiful as they're made in large, colorful floral patterns and are worn with matching embroidered headscarves to cover the hair in Muslim style. If Muslim women wear Western dress, they usually still wear the headscarf to cover their hair, which looks really pretty and gives the outfit an unusual stylish flare.

Chinese women and girls wear clothes that are mainly Western - jeans and pants seem to be more in style than skirts - and the Chinese women often have short hair too, which gives them a definite sporty look. Older more traditional women either wear the Cheongsam, the long sleek silk dress with the high neck and slits up the side, or the Samfoo, which looks like silk pajamas with a high neck on the jacket. These are bright ly colored and sometimes embroidered with gorgeous designs of flowers and exotic birds.

For Indian women in Malaysia, some wear jeans, Western dresses and skirts and look like modern Indian women in any major international city. Others wear the traditional Indian sari and as many places in Malaysia have sari shops selling beautiful fabric, the designs are unlimited. Whichever style they choose, they often wear very bright colors, which look stunning against their darker skin.

The thing I love about fashion in Malaysia is, no matter if you're traditional or modern, Western or Asian, casual or elegant - pretty much anything goes. You won't feel out of place and, if you're a fashion lover, you'll see so many beautiful women in gorgeous clothes, you'll want to visit again and again.

Los Angeles, California, might be in America, but as fashion goes, it's like being in another world. Los Angeles residents may look casual and relaxed to an outsider, but they actually spend a lot of money to look that casual and that relaxed. And even though they're only wearing a halter shirt and jogging pants, the shirt is a Betsey Johnson and the jogging pants are Adidas. Los Angelenos like to be comfortable, but they also like to be in style. That's where designer fashion comes in.

When I first moved to Los Angeles a few years ago, I'd never met anyone that would spend $1,000 on a purse and not blink an eye. Los Angeles, though, is full of people like that. Everyone I knew in L.A. had at least one Kate Spade bag, and some people had many. T shirts, shorts, jogging pants and sweatshirts worn around the shoulders and knotted in front are also all the rage. And flip flops are almost required dress, although flip flops in L.A. cost $100 a pair, and Los Angelenos have 20 pairs, to match every outfit they own.

Los Angeles women also love to wear short A-line skirts and spaghetti strap tops, paired with some DKNY sandals or a pair of flip flops, and, of course, a perfectly tanned body. Khakis with a short sleeved button down shirt (if you want to be more conservative) or a halter top (if you don't!) also seem to be in everyone's wardrobe. Teeny, tiny capped sleeve t-shirts (especially in white) are also a must have, especially if they have a brand name splayed across the front.

L.A. men slop around in baggy jeans, even baggier t-shirts and baseball caps, but even their caps are designer caps, and on their feet are the latest Bruno Magli slip-on shoes. I'm in love with men's feet in L.A.

The next time you go to L.A., don't be misled by the seeming casualness of the clothing. It's a studied casualness that isn't cheap to pull off, but it's a style that is quintessentially L.A., and I love it.

If you're fashion-conscious and planning on travelling to Asia, don't forget to visit Hong Kong. Hong Kong is Asia's paradise when it comes to clothing and fashion. Hong Kong is known as being an exciting and forward-thinking city. This attitude is also seen in the fashions that come from local Hong Kong designers like Vivienne Tam and Walter Ma, who design innovative clothing in Hong Kong one year, which you'll see in America the next.

The last time I was in Hong Kong, the one thing I noticed was the downright plainness of Hong Kong fashion when it comes to day wear. Many people in Hong Kong wear muted colors during the day - blacks, grays, browns and tans - and seem to love very casual, comfortable clothes. In Hong Kong, you'll see a lot of jeans, khakis, casual skirts, plain shirts and tops and T-shirts (and loads of jackets in the winter, when it gets pretty chilly). But Hong Kong, unlike Western cities, is a city of tailors, so the cut of the clothing, while casual, is impeccable.

At night, everything changes. Hong Kong is known for its fun nightclubs and world-class restaurants, and people really make the best of their sense of fashion after dark. Elegant, beautifully cut cocktail dresses appear along with brightly colored scarves and shawls in Chinese silk. Impossibly thin Chinese women totter around in high, strappy stiletto heels. Beautiful to look at but probably a killer on the feet!

Designer bags are also all the rage, with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana and Moschino coveted by all. That's one thing about Chinese women that's interesting. Many of them will buy an expensive designer bag or dress and expect it to last for years. Women in Hong Kong certainly seem to prefer quality over quantity and will pay the price required to get just that.

Jewelry is also important for Chinese women, especially gold and jade. According to Chinese belief, jade gives the wearer good luck, and gold is a safer way to save your money than the stock market, so you'll see many women in Hong Kong loaded down with gold and jade.

The great thing about Hong Kong is there's something for everyone's fashion taste here. From casual clothes to elegant evening gowns and a lot in between, you'll see it all in Hong Kong.