The best introduction of easy to wear, effortlessly chic and modern colorwear has been leaking into the United States for a while now… and I’m obviously not talking about the Gap. It’s ALL about Uniqlo in 2010. Now available only in New York (for the US), I could bet that the expanding Japanese brand will soon be heading to L.A. for a West Coast installment. With stores in Paris (two actually), UK, Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore – Uniqlo has redefined the affordable fashion idea, if not perfected it. Undoubtedly on its way to Topshop/Zara/H&M-like status, the brand has brilliant ad campaign brains who combine on-trend ideas with in-fashion faces like rebel-model Luke Worral and none other than the stylist behind Lady Gaga’s fantastic costumes, Nicola Formichetti. Picture this: excellent cuts in denim, cashmere, Supima, knitwear, hats, socks and everything in-between for under $150… for a complete outfit!

Special releases by Uniqlo with Jil Sander, like H&M’s most recent collaboration with Sonya Rykiel, will set up the brand as a trend defining unit. With the opening of their first store in 1984, they now gross about six billion dollars – more than Ralph Lauren Polo, Abercrombie & Fitch, or Liz Claiborne. Count with them in 2010.