Glamour and the Recession

This week I decided to write about an article called “Troubling Signs Around the Shows” by Guy Trebay, found on the New York Times web site, because it talks of how the economy is effecting apparel retailers in New York. The article begins by talking about twitter and how perhaps those in the Fashion industry should start focusing more on what going on in the world at large outside of the tents at New York fashion week. The author then goes on to describe an interview with a new York shop owner who states that they have had to dip into their savings in order to stay afloat in these troubled times, and how most stores seem to be empty these days. The article then goes on to compare the store opening of Reberto Cavalli 16 months ago to that of the Diesel flagship store that just recently opened. The Reberto Cavalli store had a grand party to celebrate it opening, Diesel had no such celebration. This as the author points out is glamour giving way to reality in these troubling economic times. This article is important to those is the fashion industry because it is necessary to be aware of the shift from glamour and excess to that of budget and survival that has happened in the industry since the recession has hit. This article is important to me personally because if I want to be successful in this industry then I need to know the factors that are currently shaping the economic mode of the industry as a whole.

Recession and the Fashion Industry

The article I chose was “Make or Break Season” by Eric Wilson. This article talked of how many small designers who are newer to the industry are struggling to survive during the current recession. Many of these designers are falling on hard times finically as retailers go out of business leaving them with orders that have been produced but never paid for. As economic conditions for these designers worsen many are finding ways to cut down on cost. Several designers are choosing not to show at this year’s fashion week to the high costs involved with putting on a show. This article shows the impact the recession is having on the fashion and retail industry, and has importance in my life because as a graduating senior who is looking for a job it is important to be aware of the economic struggles currently facing the fashion and retail industry.