The fall 2006 fashion shows in Milan and Paris have just closed camp, but to get a glimpse of what's already in store for 2007, think farther afield. Like Asia. The hottest, hippest styles are coming from the shores of Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong. For proof, look no further than the name of the all-the-rage Ura-Harajuku-based streetwear company A Bathing Ape, which has branched into everything from magazines to galleries: it takes its moniker from the traditional Japanese saying "bathing in lukewarm water", which refers to the willingness of Asia's youth to quickly follow popular trends.

Lucky for Vancouverites, this fickleness for fashion can be fulfilled on this side of the Pacific through Richmond's three largest Asian malls: Aberdeen Centre, Parker Place Mall, and Yaohan Centre. Here, you will find a different world of culture and attitude, closer to the Harajuku area in Tokyo-where gothic Lolita and kogyaru looks don't turn heads-than the jeans/T-shirt uniform normally seen downtown.

"Asians are used to spending more money on clothes. Their sense of fashion is different-more acute-than westerners,'" Joy Lin of Joy Closet in Parker Place asserts. Instead of "investment pieces", you'll find youth-driven, street-savvy items that are worn and enjoyed for a season before being replaced by the next wave of Harajuku hip.

This spring, long layers, graphic Ts, and skinny jeans are still the rage. But update them by introducing a blouson top or chunky bead necklace. And although tropical colours are still available, crisp white pieces are emerging as popular choices. The overall shape is still simple, but it's all about the details: subtle Edwardian touches of lace, velvet, and ruffles adorn edges. The brave can juxtapose materials: lace camisoles over turtlenecks, mini canvas trenches atop chiffon blouses, crochet leg warmers hugging metallic flats.

To get you started, here's a compendium of where to go and what to buy:

Aberdeen Centre

4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
604-270-1234
www.aberdeencentre.com/en/

This is the new incarnation of Aberdeen Centre (the original was much smaller), and it's massive like the sprawling malls of Hong Kong. With over 250 stores, it's easily a destination point that will make you feel like you're actually in Asia.

BOLE Everything here is imported from Japan and is extremely fun and accessible. Their mini trenches are perfect for Vancouver's misty spring weather (on sale at press time for $19.99). Tops are quirky with distinct detailing, such as an asymmetrical long-sleeve blouse with high, fold-over lace neck (on sale at press time for $32.99) or tank tops in straight-from-the-'80s neon colours with graphic images and embedded zippers, mesh, or lace ($35).

AS KNOW AS The clothes here are creative, such as billowy chiffon and sequin tank tops ($80 to $120) and a faux shorn-fur green shrug with lace trim ($100), but the best offerings lie along the periphery. Big-and-bold bead necklaces are plentiful ($25), as are lace and embroidery accent pins ($25) and a massive assortment of socks, leg warmers, and tights ($10 to $30).

DAISO Everything in this two-storey anchor is $2, from slippers to jelly raincoats to handbags, and it's the best place in Vancouver to stock up on basics such as blotting sheets, cosmetics bags, travel containers, and mini umbrellas.

Parker Place

4380 No. 3 Road and 4311 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
604-273-0276
www.parkerplace.com/

This mall is Old School. Usually overshadowed by Aberdeen, it's a quiet gem not to be missed. With over 150 shops, it offers a fantastic range of clothing, food, and gadgets from Japan, Korea, and China.

JOY CLOSET Owner Joy Lin brings slightly more sophisticated pieces into a store frequented by loyal repeat customers. Popular items include a black-and-white graphic tank top with sequin embellishments ($228), a bubble gum-pink ruffled tank top with silk-screened vintage images on front and back sides ($128), and an orange miniskirt with wide pleated ruffle trim ($185).

MY LOFT COLLECTIONS This tiny store is crammed with clothes and accessories, and they're more than happy to open up a new shipment to help you locate the perfect item, such as this season's ubiquitous knee-length ruffle skirt ($80). Don't forget to look down, where you'll see a joyous collection of shoes and boots, such as crystal-encrusted silver flats ($40) and sorbet pink and yellow patent shoes with a kitten heel ($69.99).

THE LU SHOP Here you'll find a lovely selection of crisp whites to provide a refreshing visual break from the vibrant hues still dominating clothes racks. Long-sleeve cotton shirts are detailed with tuxedolike ruffles, high lace necks, or blouson silhouettes ($150). The boutique also carries a chic selection of white shirtdresses ($250).

Yaohan Centre

3700 No. 3 Road, Richmond
604-231-0601

This mall has more than 80 stores and also contains a fantastic food court akin to the great eating halls of Japanese department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Takahimaya.

YOSHI This is a fun clothing store crammed with youthful fashions in the latest colours, fabrics, and patterns. The most popular item currently is the long tunic, worn over skinny jeans or a knee-length skirt ($39.99 to $49.99).

IWASE BOOKS Study up on the trends long before they hit Vancouver: this is your one-stop shop for imported Japanese magazines such as Non-no, JJ, and More for women's fashions, and Non-no and Popeye for men's fashions. They also carry limited-edition specialty fashion magazines such as A Bathing Ape ($28.99) and the 2006 NIKE Bible ($30.69).