Fashion Hype

Constantly on the look-out for the next big thing, the fashion scene is never fickle, nor one to stand still, and a new breed of emerging talent is making its way to a store near you, getting its deserved media attention on the way.

One new label, Corto Moltedo, is an accessories line designed by 25 year-old designer Gabrielecorto Moltedo. Moltedo, who's parents were once the owners of superluxe leather label Bottega Veneta, started his career with leather cutting on the factory floor and moving into the creative departments of the Gucci Group brand to open new stores before starting his own line. His beautiful clutch bags are sure to be a hit next season. For stockists, surf to www.cortomoltedo.com.

Also making furore with the fashion press are Wendy & Jim, an Austrian fashion duo, that designs entire collections around a single theme or idea. Think viktor & Rolf, but half the price tag. The fact that Helmut Lang was one of their tutors during the late nineties might explain why their work is often bundled into the brainy-fashion bracket. Whatever you do, don't call their work conceptual. Designer Helga Schania says people get scared when they hear that word.