First comes the idea, then the sketching, then the draping of white toile (muslin), first over a mannequin and later over a live model, and finally the cutting of samples on a pattern that translates the temporary magic of the toile into a permanent garment in the fabric and colours of the designer's choice.

ECONOMIST: Which centre takes the crown?

Outstanding collections included Bottega Veneta, where designer Tomas Maier folded fabric to create pleats and space around the shoulders.

WSJ: In Milan, Lavish Looks Flaunt All That Glitters (and Slithers)

The designer is particularly happy with a fabric he calls "technogrid, " which he helped develop and used in clothing as well as bags in his fall collection.

WSJ: Polyester Is Back in Style at Alexander Wang, Talbot Runhof, Akris

"Now, I want to get all the fabric off, " says Ms. Larkin, the California designer.

WSJ: Sheer Curtains, Solar Shades Are Popular Window Treatments

His signature malachite fabric "Gemstone, " is now part of a collection licensed by designer Jim Thompson.

FORBES: Jim Thompson

Capacity building, through artisan and designer collaboration, transferred and honed the skill level of the craftspeople in pit-loom woven fabric, chunri making skills, embroidery and ralli-making and developed designs to attract the contemporary market demands.

UNESCO: World Heritage Site at Makli