Springing Forward.(fashion)

The economic down-turn and the war with Iraq haven't put a damper on fashion. Indeed, this spring's designs are among the most upbeat in years. Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani and Nicolas Ghesquiere at Balenciaga have livened up their lines with flowers and jungle prints. Fresh tones like whites, pale nudes and pastels dominated the runways. And Asia, with its bold colors, stark traditional shapes and luminescent fabrics, has had a tremendous influence on designers like Stella McCartney, John Galliano and Tom Ford. Here are some of the trends that retailers and analysts predict will take off:

The Asian influence: The Indian Subcontinent has been in vogue for a few seasons but, for this spring and summer, designers have looked farther east for inspiration. California-based designer Jennifer Nicholson--Jack's daughter--has done a cheongsam-inspired cropped shirt in embroidered silk, which Tom Julian, trend analyst for Fallon Worldwide, says hip Angelenos are pairing with jeans by Versace or Earl's. A number of designers, including Roberto Cavalli, Miu Miu and Blumarine, have turned out slim-fitting cheongsam dresses. Tom Ford has reinterpreted Japan for Gucci, coming up with silk kimono wraps and slinky plum-blossom-print jersey dresses--perfect for a disco night on the town.

Metallic fabrics: They're not just for belts anymore. This spring they come in sexy silhouettes, like Marc Jacobs's shimmery baby-doll dress, Alexander McQueen's silver-belted tunics and Julien Macdonald's ...