Gucci's Creative Director, Frida Giannini has been awarded 'International Designer of the Year' award in Japan, this is the first time a female has been given the honor. Italian fashion maestro Giannini will embark on a eight day tour of Asia, covering major cities including Kyoto, Toyko, Bejing, Shanghai and culminating in the opening of Gucci's new flagship store at Shanghai's Golden Eagle.

The Toyko leg of the tour will see the Fashion Editor's Club (FEC) of Japan award Giannini with International Designer of the Year. Katsuto Tai, Chairman of (FEC) explains the choice. "We are honoring Frida Giannini for her constant ability to anticipate fashion trends with her innovative and coordinated styles that are full of authentic luxury".

With a visit to a children's hospital, an evening with Vogue China and a master class in Japanese artist techniques, it promises to be quite a trip. Last stop, the opening of Gucci's 28th store in China with a black tie dinner in honor of the charity for amblyopic children supported by China Children and Teenager's Fund.