Prada, the Italian fashion house, has introduced designs made in a number of countries by their local artisans. This spring woven leather ballerina flat shoes, woven leather handbags and two dress styles with chikan embroidery in red, blue, green or white are all made in India.

Our guest writer, Jeannick Minet, visited Madigascar over the holidays. She took the following pictures while in Madigascar. Jeannick reports: "Madagascar women in the streets aren't very stylish. The population is dirt poor and clothing isn't a high priority." However from the photo's of Madagascar women, women favor skirts, love color, patterns and denims. The women definitely demonstrate a creative approach to Madagascar fashion.

Several companies have come out with clothing that generates heat and which make them perfect for winter weather and cool temperatures.  Uniglo, the Japanese retailer, has a line  of clothing called “Heattech.”  Heattech fabric “creates heat to warm you up and keep you warm.” Believe it or not they introduced a few pieces in 2003 and have since sold over millions of fashions made from “Heattech”.

In general fashion varies by neighborhood in Manhattan.  Downtown areas are very eclectic with a little of everything.  Uptown women dress with a little more taste and style. However when it comes to midtown you get a mix of fashions from tourists and residents wearing a variety of clothing styles.

New York ladies staying cool during Indian summer on the streets of Manhattan. All types of clothing is evident from exercise wear to just about everything else. You see women expressing themselves with their wearing apparel. There is definitely a more "laid back" trend in clothing worn by women in major cities everywhere today. Women want to be comfortable and are dressing to accomplish comfort.

Clothing including, eco friendly fashion, must be first and foremost stylish. From a marketing point of view you need to first sell a great design – that the product is eco friendly is a welcomed plus for the consumer. Manuela feels that consumers will spend more money for eco fashion if they understand the benefit. Just because something’s green does not mean it is necessarily expensive, for example -- the H&M garden collection, and American Apparel eco T’s are one dollar more expensive then “standard” T's.

These New York wear photos were taken the last week in September. The weather was balmy and warm as you can see from the most popular wearing apparel. Slim pant legs are definitely the most preferred style of pants. Denims are still popular but not as rampant as several years ago and skirts are a little longer. A variety of footwear styles are evident.  The most popular styles are the strappy sandal, flip flops, and a variety of flats, heels and boots. In spite of the warm weather women are wearing leggings.

Looking at Japan Street Fashion one can see how Japanese Street Style is very youth-oriented. Todays Japanese street fashion is creative and eclectic. Women are innovative combining everything and anything together. Every length of skirt and pants are visable on the sidewalks of Japan. Touches of lace, ruffles, long skirts and dresses plus sexy footwear give Japanese fashions a feminine look.