Imagine someone has made a patchwork quilt out of different types of floral, stripy and shiny lycra. No imagine that this person has taken a look at their creation and thought: “you know what? This would look really good as a pair of knickers”.

“Alpargatas sí, libros no!” said Juan Domingo Perón in an appeal against universities’ elitism and expressing his favour for salt-of-the-earth blue collar work. This is what alpargatas, the ubiquitous Argentine take on the espadrille, have symbolised for almost two centuries.

In Buenos Aires, a city famous for both its style and its Italian heritage, you don’t have to look very far to find a beautiful suit. But if you want to take your interest in tailoring further than just admiring shop windows, there are two exhibitions than will cater to your needs.

The season ahead is looking dark. Autumn and winter fast approaching, Argentina is gearing up to face the chill in heavy fabrics, a monochromatic palette and with die-hard allegiance to punk-inspired fashion. The three days of the 2010 autumn/winter edition of Buenos Aires Fashion Week showcased collections which are testament to the city’s rising recognition and status amongst the world’s style capitals.