MEXICO

Hola mis amigos! (apologies if I completely butchered the language)
Today I pulled out one of my fav. tops that I was going to wear; it's a white, empire-waits blouse with beautiful embroidery, and it totally made me think of Mexico! So I thought why not make that the topic for today!?..So here goes..
Mexican Textiles have been shown more and more recently, especially this summer. A combination of bright floral prints and flowy, peasant skirts show a unique mix that has lately been absent in the fashion scene. This is a more softer approach brought to the runway that I am actually a huge fan of.
Roberto Cavalli's Spring 2007 collection leaned more towards the "south of the border" theme, which I personally found very beautiful and unique. 

Detailed embroidery blouses and skirts add a folk feel that is perfect for spring/summer. I am personally a huge fan of emroidery and bright colours if it's done right and a good example of this is Prada, and the handbag they designed with bright orange trim and pops of colour that;s perfect for the summer months.

The Spring 2010 Couture Collection also showed many Mexican-inspired fashion, one that stood out the most was Jean Paul Gaultier; mostly for the beautiful, bold "sombrero-like" hats. There were also gauchos, striped peasant blankets, and spanish shawls. He even had a mariachi band!.. now who can top that !?

I posted a few of my favorite looks from Jean Paul Gaultier's spring 2010 collection, and the last one has Lady Gaga written all over it!

ITALY

..Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Prada, Valentino, Versace.. need I say more?
These famous designers have become a household name all over the world. And what you may ask do they all have in common ?.. they are all Italian designers!
Italy is known very well for it's creative, fashion-forward designs. 
I went to Italy myself a few years ago, and just walking down the cobblestone streets you can see that every single person is dressed like they have their own personal stylists, whether it's sleek leather jackets, or knee-high boots..It can definitely be said Italy has style!
Let's take a closer look at Valentino for example. Born and raised in Italy he is the true definition of an Italian designer who creates versatile  looks that always have some Italy-based culture in it. 
While I was in Italy I got the privilege of visiting the Valentino shop in Milan, and just being in the presence of such couture gowns and beautiful shoes was truly something amazing! Sure the prices are a little up there, but just the expereience itself was something I won't forget!
Here are a few pics from the Valentino Resort Collection 2009:

And here are some more pictures from GUCCI, D&G, and Versace:

CHINA

China has a great influence on today's fashion, and the looks you see on the runway. Especially after the recession hit, more and more people tend to spend less on luxury goods and set sights to their home grown designers. Take for example, Luo Zheng, who was the first designer to bring out a Chinese fashion dress to Fashion Week in NY in 2009! Flowing, ethereal prints, and  gowns with Chinese silk stood out to viewers around the world. Luo Zheng compares her gowns to a blossoming flower, with soft pink, yellow, and lilac accents.

Stephane SOH, another amazing designer is known for her eccentric and embellished China-inspired coats and jackets. She mixes and edgy, modern style with a more classic, cultural-based one, and the result; some of the most beautiful pieces of clothing seeing on the runway yet.

These up and coming designers are making head-waves in the fashion world with their original pieces. It is amazing to see the impact these designers have on the fashion-world, and are taking it by storm.