Daphne Guinness for Akris.

From high street to high fashion, here are some of the most-anticipated launches for the year 2010.

Bags by Akris
Swiss fashion label Akris will present its first collection of handbags come February, coinciding with its 15th anniversary. The campaign is fronted by über-socialite Daphne Guinness who poses with the trapezoid "Ai" bag and the "Amata" clutch, both made from 2010’s trend material, horse hair.

A ‘Galaxy’ for men?
Roland Mouret, creator of the iconic ‘Galaxy’ dress, will start selling suits, priced from US$1,600 (RM5,600) to US$3,800 (RM13,300), from spring. And another designer is branching out into men’s wear: John Galliano is eyeing a "contemporary-priced, ‘urban casual’ sportswear line" with Cavalli-owner Ittierre. Available from fall, the collection will include outerwear, knits, shirts, jackets, jeans and accessories for "trendsetting, extravagant, adventurous" 18-to 35-year-olds.

Meanwhile, Trussardi is headed into the opposite direction and is releasing its first-ever women’s collection this spring.

Dying for denim
Hudson Jeans will release a higher-end range with prices ranging from U$$100 (RM350) to U$$450 (RM1,575), Dior Homme jeans will finally be available in women’s styles (US$407 [RM1,424] onwards, and Victoria Beckham Denim will relaunch in more modern cigarette silhouettes (from US$235 (RM822), already selling on netaporter.com). Plus, for the more punky among denim lovers, Vivienne Westwood has teamed up with Lee Jeans for a range due to hit stores in fall.

A label to watch
After the brand debuted its first-ever jewelry line in December, Jil Sander will release a collection of watches in early 2010.

Vegetarian shoes
No official date has been confirmed but Stella McCartney says her leather-free shoe range in collaboration with singer Morrissey "could be launched" in 2010.

More from Sonia
After Sonia Rykiel’s much-publicised lingerie collection for H&M, the designer’s second collection (a first in H&M’s designer collaborations) of knitwear for women and girls (1.5 to 8 years old), accompanied by "playful accessories," will hit international stores on Feb 20.

Hitting the Target
Young US designer Zac Posen is the latest high-end fashion figure to be tapped for US retailer Target’s Go International line, his designs will become available April 25. Go International is separate from Target’s Designer Collaborations range that will next feature items by Jean Paul Gaultier, due out on March 7.

Uniquely Uniqlo
Jil Sander’s second +J collection becomes available on January 7 in the UK, Jan 14 in the US, and Jan 20 in France, following Asian stores in December.

Ethical aesthetics
Harry Potter’s Emma Watson has collaborated with fashion brand People Tree to design a stylish, eco-conscious range called People Tree, targeted at women aged 16 to 24. The collection goes on sale in February.

Something for the kids
Japanese designer Tsumori Chisato is designing a children’s range for French kids’ label Petit Bateau that will go on sale in fall. – AFP Relaxnews