Recession affects fashion and it seems that, in this economic downtown, women don’t spend on lipstick anymore. In this whole philosophy of looking good for less, what’s the true situation of fashion industry, as one of their purposes, besides art and fashion statements, is to sell?
At New York Fashion Week, many participating designers chose to organize lower-cost presentations and set up systems where attendees stroll around models that stand still, thus avoiding expensive and pretentious runway shows.
While a runway show held at Fashion Week’s tents usually costs $100,000 to $250,000 or more, a show in a smaller location could actually cut the expenditure in half and a presentation in the designer’s display area could be the most cost-effective option of all.
Which designers tried to save some money? Well, we have Betsey Johnson, Reem Acra, Nary Manivong, Joanna Mastoianni, Generra, Luca Luca and Temperley.
While others try to keep under control costs, Marc Jacobs, one of most favorite designers all over the world, turned his fashion show into e true competition, challenging all fashionistas to obtain an invitation at the designer’s show, which will shelter only 500 guests, compared to the usual 2,000 attendees.
The bleak economic outlook is forcing some of the city’s stalwart designers to re-think how they show their clothes. So, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs are amongst the designers to understand and apply a critical social situation in their works.
Meanwhile, two great British designers, Betty Jackson and Paul Smith, from their own experiences, think that “In times like this you have to focus on what you do well and do it better and really try and not be too much affected by it”. So, how about dressing as same as usual, for less? Or we can always choose if you have the power and perhaps a certain financial stability, to look for the same outfits, brands and labels as before this crisis. Who knows, maybe investing in couture might be a true inspiration for times like these?
