Japanese fashion may not be making an influence on cities where Gap, Polo Sport, and Eddie Bauer are prevalent, but where it has made the influence is on women and teens seeking an edge to their style and a uniqueness that only Asian Fashion can provide.

Any designer will agree on the importance of watching trends in Japanese fashion in particular, as it has such an impact on what China and Korea choose to adopt, and then soon after what becomes popular in Europe and North America. Eastern countries not only largely influence Western fashion but also consume over 40% of the world’s luxury goods and often women in these countries, while living at home well into their 20s’ offer a disposal income that can entertain nothing short of handfuls of outlandish shopping sprees.

In a constantly changing fashion society we see street fashion combining a mix of local and foreign luxury brands. These luxury goods we speak of and their prominent consumption, in particular by Japanese and Chinese consumers; Burberry, Tiffany, Swatch, Hermes, Bulgari, Gucci, Louis Vuitton. It is impressive really that 94% of women in their 20’s in Tokyo own at least one Louis Vuitton bag. It is nothing short of envious to an American 20’s something. In the debate of prioritizing rent vs. Louis’, groceries vs. the latest season trend, Asian women take the advantage with not only the guts to drop the Benjamin’s, but with the flare to pull off the ‘here-today-gone-tomorrow’ trend without needing to question cost vs. wear.

In a stricter society of social roles, citizens of these Asian countries find their freedom of expression, that they are unable to experience in their circumscribed social roles, via their attire, makeup and hair. This is even seen in the Japanese trend of excess tanning, as a way to be associated with Hip Hop Culture. A boldness in appearance that us North American women may not be willing to embrace, or find inappropriate to reveal while wearing fishnets and a Lolita dress to the office. Where we may shy away, yet choose to express ourselves by other means, we look East and see other women braving up to their extreme fashion, and in their whimsical, exaggerated, and mix-matched color palette, we too desire this bravery in expressing ourselves via any trend necessary.

My king of Couture’s spring line oozes femininity, and flirtatious affairs.

Christian Lacroix, born in Alres France studied history as a young man, and upon graduation from University of Montpellier, he expanded his experience and knowledge while working directly with color scheme and design for Hermès. His thesis of heart is a showcase of pattern, color, locally made fabrics, and a display of fantastical design. He had a vision often involving the corset, and he celebrated vintage, using historical fashion and costume, heavily.

Often misunderstood and told to have ill-direction in designing for today’s women, Lacroix continued to prove himself as he launched his label, opened a couture house, and released his first Ready-to-Wear all within a year.

This spring I find delight in Lacroix’s contribution to bright, bold colors, short hemlines, ruffles, lace, pattern and print. There is hardly an attribute lacking in surplus. Now, as all the fanciful detail, feminiity and appeal that he constantly provides remains, I find myself yet again, breathless.