As the nights draw in and the fog settles in London, Fashionista thought it was high time to set up a base out in Asia and has done just that so readers can expect to see news and commentary on fashion happenings in the region from here onwards.
There are certainly many signs that Asia really is THE place to be in fashion terms. And for good reason since the gloomy global economy hasn’t hit retail so hard in the region and at the same time Asia’s middle class continues to grow and clamour for Western brands. The year has seen some landmark events already with Hermes‘ launch of its own luxury sari range last month to accompany its move into the Indian market and Prada’s listing on the Hong Kong stock market back in June. It will be interesting to see which different strategies work out best and what 2012 will bring.
In the meantime it’s been comforting for a slightly home-sick Fashionista to wander the Singaporean shopping malls (on every corner!) and see so many familiar home brands. Indeed, a few essential trips to River Island and Top Shop have kitted her out nicely whilst waiting her other suitcases to arrive!
One Comment
I was interested to read that Indian’s ruling coalition has shelved plans to allow retailers to own 51% of supermarket chains in India for fear that opening up the market would wipe out millions of small-scale operators. As reported in the Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8934413/India-closes-its-door-to-foreign-retailers.html