Sydney - It's lunchtime in Sydney and there are more fitness-conscious office workers in the pool doing laps than there are in the park doing circuits in their running shoes.

Düsseldorf - Glossy fashion magazines are getting competition from internet fashion blogs that are not only cheaper but also faster.

Frankfurt, Germany - Fans of plastic clogs should trust their sense of smell and steer clear of unpleasant smelling shoes.

Munich - When shopping for a hair dryer, two things

Berlin  - After a rediscovery by the likes of Justin Timberlake and Pete Doherty, hats have become the official fashion accessory of today's youth.

Hamburg - This summer's thirst quenchers come combined with fruit or fruit flavours, and the more exotic the better.