The recession brings in more tailored looks

The article “Two Words for Fall: Toughen Up” by Cathy Horyn, found on the New York Times web site, talks of how in the face of rescission designers are having to switch up their style, and go in a more sober direction. The articles talk about how designers are learning to adapt to the new demand emerging in fashion luxury and that is value. Femininity and excess detail have been a major trend for the past few seasons, but as designers begin to unveil their new collections more simple and tailored garments seem to be taking the spot light. The author states that as a result the recession just might prove to make designers better designers. In the article Ron Frasch, the chief merchant at Saks Fifth Avenue, was quoted as saying in relations to the new collections that “It was about let’s not throw on more ornament. Let’s create clothes with more craftsmanship”. This article highlights and important point for those in the fashion industry, that it is important to pay attention to the effect the recession may have on fashion trends.

The shows in Milan

“A Strong Woman for Hard Times” by Cathy Horyn, found on the New York Times website, reviews the recent Milan fashion shows and their compliance with the recession or lack thereof. Many designers chose to dismiss the current economic crisis and instead continue to pour on the luxury. Luxury fabrics, and ostentatious details where prevalent in the shows this year. Many speculated this was due to designers fearing being called boring if they tried a more minimalistic approach. Some designers however did take the minimalistic route and were successful such as Raf Simons's collection for Jil Sander. This article points out that if the recession continues then designers may want to push luxury aside and instead go for more particle piece that would be more likely to sell in this economy. This is a trend that all those in the retail industry may need to be aware of in the coming months and possibly years.