It's not just fast fashion that's beating the recession.

By Kevin Mcgue

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is high time to cross off the remaining items on the yearly gift list. Anyone undecided on what to get for that special someone still has time to find a luxurious gift with a personal touch.

By Kevin McGue

Swiss-made wristwatches have long been known for precision, craftsmanship and reliability. So famed is Switzerland for its timepiece exports that one could almost be forgiven for thinking that watches aren’t made in any other country. However, with longevity, technological perfection, and innovative design, Japanese-made watches have much to offer its European rivals.

By Kevin Mogue -- Corporate fashion expert Kevin Mcgue navigates the minefield of necktie faux pas. October has arrived, and the lingering heat and humidity of September have gone. The “Cool Biz” season is unequivocally over, and it is time to put away the collarless shirts and bring out the jackets and ties. A nice tie, properly coordinated and tied, can bring out the best in a suit and create a lasting impression. On the other hand, a hastily selected and poorly tied one can do more damage than good. Since neckties are one of the most common areas for fashion violations, the restart of tie season is the ideal time to review the basics and separate the tie “dos” from the “don’ts.”

By Dominic Carter -- Is Japan ending its designer brand obsession or will fashion houses just have to change their tactic? -- Notorious for its appetite for designer goods, Japan has always been at the forefront of market importance in the luxury brands sector, even being dubbed “the world’s only mass luxury market.” Yet there are signs that sales are declining. As the market matures, what’s in store for the luxury sector?

By Kevin Mcgue -- Giant department store Isetan and its service to help foreign customers find a better suit -- It can be hard for a man of any size or stature to find a properly fitting suit. For those who are big or tall in Japan and find themselves behind a language barrier, this difficult task can seem nearly impossible.

The RushmoreBy Kevin Mcgue -- Business bag fashion -- A proper bag or briefcase is essential to anyone working in Japan— whether on the morning commute, hopping in a taxi to go meet a client, or boarding a flight to Shanghai for a conference, arriving in style is vital. Th ere seems to be something of an obsession with business bags in Japan. Visit any department store on a weekend and find fresh college graduates ready to enter their first jobs or working people spending a good portion of their days off carefully inspecting the seemingly endless array of available shoulder bags, totes and briefcases. Finding the right bag depends on one’s personal approach to both work and style.

By Kevin Mcgue -- The difference between the perfect business suit and one that is merely adequate can mean the difference between a strong first impression and one that is instantly forgettable. Too many men settle for suits that are not quite the shade or pattern they had in mind, or buy shirts knowing that the collar is just a bit too loose, and the sleeves a touch too short. The perfect suit is not one in which every stitch is evenly spaced—that can be found in virtually any mass-produced garment. The perfect suit is one that satisfies on all levels and affords its owner a sense of confidence and well-being. Finding the perfect suit can seem like a daunting process, which is why many people don’t bother. However, it can be a fascinating journey during which you will encounter traditional craftsmanship, and discover your own sense of style as well as taking the average customer into the world of bespoke tailoring.

Tim Coghlan reviews Japan Fashion Week and ponders its failure to establish Tokyo on a par with Paris or Milan. -- Japan Fashion Week (JFW) in Tokyo was held from March 10-15 in various locations around Tokyo. After attending a fair portion of the 50 fashion shows held during JFW it was clear that it has a long way to go before it becomes truly international and part of the world fashion week circuit which is dominated by cities like Paris, Milan and New York. JFW—the country’s ‘official’ fashion week, has been attempting to gather momentum since it started in 2005. Yet, despite Tokyo being the fashion capital of Asia and certain Japanese brands being very popular overseas, JFW has been struggling to gain international attention for several reasons.

By Louise Calvert -- In terms of national costume and dress, there can be nothing so quintessentially Japanese as the kimono. These often beautiful and elaborate garments became widespread during the Edo period (1603- 1867) and the craft of creating them tended to be passed down from mothers to daughters in the home. However, during the Meiji era, many Japanese reformers adopted Western style clothing, much to the disgust of the Confucian rulers of China. As Western dress was thus a ‘top-down’ phenomenon, it created within Japan a growing demand for domestically produced garments in the new fashion and by the early twentieth century, it was clear that this emerging industry would need well-trained craftsmen, designers, tailors and machine workers.