Through the haze of economic slowdown emerges the new model Shopper of Last Resort - the Chinese retail consumer. They are spending more liberally than predicted, even on really big-ticket items like cars - with leather upholstery and trim, of course. Too early yet, to know the success of efforts by high-end shoe and bag manufacturers to penetrate the China market - but it does look promising. We'll be running with this story as it develops and will keep you posted.

Meanwhile, developments along the fashion supply chain: innovation plus value-for-money at retail level, and a preparedness for manufacturers to meet retail buyers’ demands for smaller quantities. Margins are tighter, but all should win out as normalcy returns to the market. Expect both developments to be highlighted at Fashion Access October 2009, in Hong Kong.