Women Affairs

Paris has long been the world's undisputed fashion capital but now it truly is going global, with ever more Asian designers opting to show and grab a bigger share of the international market. "The world is getting smaller," says China's Frankie Xie of the Beijing-based Jefen label, in his second season in the ready-to-wear shows. He has moved to Paris "because I think is a very good place to promote our brand, not just for the Chinese but also for the international market". South Korea's Lie Sang Bong says he is encouraged by the inroads Asian designers are now making on the world fashion scene. "I think it is a great opportunity for cultural exchange." Both designers were among the first to send out their collections for next spring-summer as fashion week opened in Paris at the weekend. Xie dedicated his show to the upcoming Beijing Olympics. "I do a lot of sport and many of my friends do sport. China's swift economic development mean...

Leslie Barrie Everyone’s heard about the key items that should be in a closet: black trousers, a classic pump, a white oxford shirt, etc. But what about those items that should not be in there— the ones that tempt you to betray your fashion sense and keep you from looking like your usual, put-together self? Yes, these items may be comfort pieces, but most likely they fit like anything but. So rid yourself of them now before you pull an Eve and pick that red apple. Check out our list of items to purge. Booty shorts. Jessica Simpson could pull them off in Dukes of Hazzard, but, then again, it was a movie. Translating this trend to real life is a different story. Short shorts can be pulled off successfully—think loose-fitting nautical pairs for spring, but it’s the unsuccessful versions that we see the most of. If you are unsure if short shorts are right for you, take it as a sign and stick to their adorable cousin, the Bermuda. Still holding on? Walk a lap around your bedroom. If have to...