MILAN, Italy - Chinese designers will drive catwalk trends more than deep-pocketed Asian buyers as the nation's creativity becomes fashions' next big thing, top fashion executives and designers told Reuters at Milan fashion week.

China's newly rich fueled a record year for sales at luxury goods makers such as LVMH Group, with designers such as Ralph Lauren Corp, Ermenegildo Zegna Holditalia SpA and Prada SpA drawing inspiration from oriental prints and crystals to cater to Asian shoppers.

"The next big issue for fashion is not China's economic boom but its creativity," Italian designer and retailer Elio Fiorucci said on the sidelines of a Dolce and Gabbana Srl show.

"We know little about the Chinese sense of beauty. Chinese designers have got talent, they know all about us and they will be the next big surprise," he said.

China is predicted to become the world's biggest luxury market with sales of $14.6 billion in the next five years, according to the World Luxury Association.

However, economists say the Chinese economy's booming growth rate is bound to ease, after capping a decade of expansion at an average annual rate of more than 10.5 percent.

Mature markets such as the United States are recovering after being hit hard by the worst economic slowdown in decades.

"The US grew more than China in January and February for us," Versace's Chief Executive Officer Gian Giacomo Ferraris told Reuters before their women's wear show on Friday.

Swiss luxury group Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA, British handbag maker Mulberry Group Plc and Italian leather goods producer Tod's Group are all optimistic about 2011.

But political turmoil in the Middle East, a key emerging market, could weigh on the sector, said Roberto Cavalli SpA Chief Executive Officer Gianluca Brozzetti.

"The first months were positive, but we can't drop our guard," Brozzetti said at the Florentine designer's show.

"We are all seeing what is happening in the Middle East," he said.

Cavalli reported revenues of 176.2 million euros ($242 million) in 2010, down 6 percent on lower license royalties, but retail sales grew 28 percent as customers were back in the stores.

"Beyond China, India and Latin America could be even bigger markets, but they should cut their custom duties," Brozzetti said.

Brozzetti said Chinese designers have creativity but not enough economic power to compete with established brands.

"Their culture and creativity will certainly be appreciated in the West," he said. "But it will take time."

source:Reuters