Sao Paulo

The Style:
The big trends for summer 2008, hot off the catwalks at Sao Paulo Fashion Week? Short skirts, prints, tight jeans and plenty of white! Think strong silhouettes and attention to detail.

The Buzz:
When we think of Brazil our minds are usually flooded with images of salsa dancing, bronzed bombshells walking the beaches, numerous carnivals and of course the ‘Brazilian’ bikini wax. But fashion and style are also extremely important here too. So what will be next for Brazil? Designer emporium Daslu, Sao Paulo’s new fashion mecca, is the next big thing. Daslu will deal with all things expensive and luxurious – including labels like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci and many more. But it’s not all about fashion; it’s become a must have for stores to carry sports goods, wines and jewellery. So next time Brazil is on the travel itinerary don’t forget to step inside Daslu and see what all the fuss is about.

The Place:
After dark is when the fashion and festivities explode. Known as the ‘party town’, Sao Paulo offers a wide range of night life, including world class bars like Drosophyla Bar, renowned for its crazy, contemporary Brazilian baroque style. It’s filled with funky interior designs, aquariums with cell phones instead of fish, portraits, Cuzco arts, extravagant lighting and more. Drosophyla is frequented by many filmmakers, media advertisers, fashion industry people, journalists and artists alike. It gives visitors a chance to sip delicious fruit drinks, Cosmopolitans, or a very cold beer to make their fashion expedition complete.

Amsterdam

The Style:
Savvy styles in Amsterdam are being noticed, and they are turning heads in the fashion media. The city is bringing back creativity with its funky, laidback, creative yet classic street style. Vintage is big in this part of the world for both the genders. Floral prints and bright colours are also popular. The words wacky and unique seem to personify Amsterdam’s community.

The Buzz:
The infamous Amsterdam Dance Event is the perfect opportunity to see the country’s creative minds at work, with music conferences and festival buzz for music lovers. So popular has it been that this year’s festival, held during October, was extended an extra day to accommodate new acts, with over 700 DJs in town. Tickets and further details can be found at http://www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl/festival.

The Place:
For the party crazed, night-time is when Amsterdam’s creativity really shines. You can’t go past Panama, Amsterdam’s finest clubbing establishment. Panama features a dining room, theatre and a nightclub. The restaurant is open every day from 12pm and has endless entertainment, with both live music and DJs. For those who want to venture out after a dinner date, Panama nightclub is open until late from Thursday to Sunday.

Images thanks to http://fadtony.blogspot.com/

Singapore

The Style:
Asian countries are now more dominant in the fashion industry, especially Singapore. Singapore’s fashion and street style is expanding more and more and gaining recognition. Singapore’s relaxed styles, wacky colours, funky layering and mixture of vintage glamour and high fashion come from a mix of Japanese street style and western bohemian style. Transparent swirls, lace on structured sleeves and Pillbox hats are seen everywhere.

The Buzz:
Singapore’s style is continuously expanding in the fashion industry, thanks to local designers like Thomas Wee, Tan Yoong, Sven Tan and many more, so it’s no surprise that UK fashion luminary Colin McDowell hosted the Singapore Fashion Festival. Both international and local designers launched their collection at the fashion festival, such as London designer Matthew Williamson.

The Place:
Singapore fashion is hot on the agenda, so what a fabulous way for style-savvy women to end the day – by making their way to the free fashion workshop held at the Cube in Singapore at 1pm! The event will be conducted by Janice Pidduck, fashion writer for Seventeen Magazine. This is the place to be for those who want to know the secrets and fashion tips when mixing and matching the latest fashion trends.

Images thanks to http://theclothesproject.blogspot.com/

Miami

The Style:
With fashion consistently reinventing itself, this allows previous styles and trends to make a comeback. The recent look for Miami men is reminiscent of preppy rocker plaid pants, layering t-shirts over buttondowns, Western shirts and blazers with jeans. When it comes to women, the 70s are back in a big way – think flower pins, glam fashion, large retro sunnies, metallic bags and micro mini skirts with bikini tops.

The Buzz:
With such a dynamic buzz from local designers, it’s no surprise that Miami Fashion Week 2008 was such a success. The latest fashion gossip is that more collections will be displayed in the 2009 Fashion Week, including swimwear and evening wear, thanks to this year’s success. Additionally, individual designers will hold fashion shows that showcase trends, accessories and jewellery. The designer fashion gallery will be open on display, as well as many concerts and nightclub parties.

The Place:
Fashion shows are not the only highlight in Miami. Other venues and events are also becoming more fashionable and high profile. Restaurants like Katsuya are becoming more popular with locals, visitors and also celebrities eating there, and giving the paparazzi some pics. It is a lovely place to dine while staying in Miami, as you have the chance to show off your elegant frocks and to play spot the ‘pretty people’. For those wanting a classier European feel while staying in Miami, dine at Badrutt’s Place. The level of sophistication the owners are striving for will leave you amazed. It is also another great place to show off that new frock bought just a couple of hours ago from Miami’s finest.

Brisbane

The Style:
Although Brisbane has its own particular style, geographically and climatically speaking, Brisbane is now improving its fashion signature, opting for a more cosmopolitan approach. This summer is all about femininity for women, particularly inspired by the 20s and 70s. Floral bohemian prints and coral, yellow, green, fuchsia and purple are the favoured colours and prints for this season. Look to Aussie designers like Easton Pearson (who are form Brisbane!), Ginger and Smart, Akira Isogawa, Lisa Ho and Lee Matthews for inspiration. Transparency and sheer panelling overlaid on fuller fabrics, sheer blouses and dresses are the latest look to have for spring and summer.

The Buzz:
Brisbane is quickly becoming the latest city on the fashion radar. Due to its growing population and popularity, the fashion is improving significantly. Thanks to influential labels like Sass and Bide, Easton Pearson and retailer amber Long of Jean Brown, Brisbane has become a trend-setter in conjunction with Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane’s fashion style is becoming more recognised internationally, placing Brisbane among other fashionably iconic cities.

The Place:
With vintage retro fashion back on the agenda, what better place to head than West End – check out the funky, laidback, atmospheric cafes like Three Monkeys or Mondo Organics for great coffee and a place to rest those sore feet. For a great way to end a fabulous day, Little Jumbo, open from Tuesday to Saturday, is the place to enjoy a drink with a hippy yet sophisticated atmosphere.