I have always had an interest in Asian fashion rather than European fashion. This week in Time Asia there is an interesting article about Thailand's rising fashion designers, such as Greyhound, and lingerie designer, Disaya Prakobsantisukh.

The Fashion Student observes 'Australia has a habit of looking to Europe too much for guidance in terms of fashion direction. Although the surf wear market is an example of Australian innovation and identity very much in tune with Australian climate and culture.'

I subscribe to what The fashion Studnet says, and although there are many great designers in Europe, like Japan, Australian needs to look within itself and the surrouding region for guidence.

It is refreshing to see Thailand fusing their culture to modern fashion.As Ilya Garger from Time Asia points out. Senada designer Chanita mines traditional crafts for inspiration, borrowing elements from vintage wallpaper, temple paintings, battle murals, and antique textiles. But she insists that the objective is never to look Thai—it's to be stylish. "We don't want our clothes to look eth-nic," she says. Greyhound's Bhanu takes a similar approach.

Australia does create a lot of great designs, however at the same time, it would be a nice change to see future Australian designers exploring Asia and Australia for inspiration. Rather than turning to their big sisters and brothers.

Well the Design Festa is coming up around May 20 and this year I have decieded to take part. (that is if my work contract is renewed...which I will find out about next week!) I am going to make about 20 bags of varying designs and colours. I am trying not to put limits on my creativity when designing my bags too. That way I hope to get some really good designs.

I think another important thing for me to remember when selling my bags at the Design Festa is not to have high expectations of sales. I will be competing with about 6,000 other designers, who will be either selling or showing off their products. The last Design Festa, which was Novemeber last year pulled in 51,000 people so the numbers are there for bag buying potential and also to get my label out there.

The bags that I will be making for the Japanese market will differ compared to what I sell on ebay. Japanese people love cute things, so that's the theme of my new designs. I will still put bags up for sale on ebay and I will be posting the occasional photo of the bags that I am making for the Design Festa.

Here are some bags I have already made and the link for the Design Festa website.

http://www.designfesta.com/02_en/00_df_e/index.html

What do you think?

Got a pair of old jeans that you just don' t wear anymore....? Well instead of them providing sustenance for moths, re-design them a start wearing them again! It only takes a little imagination an afternoon before those jeans will be chic again.

Besides the t-shirt print. I spent last sunday afternoon fixing up a pair of second-hand jeans that I bought from Thankyou Mart in Harjuku for 350 Yen ($4.00). A few patches here and there and some red zig zag stitching and they were done!

I must admit that I did go a bit overboard with the patches. But...like a new hairstyle, new clothes can take a week to settle.

I finally pulled out one those t-shirts I ordered last year and put a design on it...let me know what you think....would you wear it...? Or buy it...

There is a Fashion Show on tonight in Utsunomiya. I'm going to check it out and if possible post some photos up. I have no idea if this is just a label or what...and the website doesn't really tell me much either. Guess I 'll find out tonight when Tomomi and I go!!