Econofashion 101

The struggling global economy and its immediate effect on the fashion world at-large won’t be fully realized still for quite some time, or at least until the next spring/summer collections are shown. The latest batch of autumn/winter offerings are very much reminiscent of a society still on the move; creatively driven and market-inspired gatherings presenting a guarded misinterpretation that all is well in the midst of such economic turmoil. However, a recent trip to Las Vegas helped to shed some light on the grim realities that retailers throughout America have been facing in recent months. Empty casinos and lingering sales from Barneys to Saks were prevalent throughout Sin City. Store employees were savoring their discounts in addition to exaggerated markdowns that amounted to virtual giveaways for a number of leading brands. And if you’re immediate financial situation has yet to be affected, you’re probably well aware of just how willing some shop owners are to encourage you to spend any amount of your hard-earned cash inside their doors.


Las Vegas Strip

The financial slump has led many to speculate on the creative impact that the recession will have on the business of luxury. Some say that we will surely see a sweeping push toward practical minimalism, with major houses calling on the simplicity of decades gone by to encourage consumers to look for more timeless and interchangeable pieces to wear – the dress that can go from office chic to evening frock, and the suit that eases from business smart to party appropriate. However, another theory seems to be holding true; that in these dark times, the looming world of the fashion elite tends to become far more focused and ultimately even more elite. With buyers sorting through the growing number of designers and weeding out the drab from the divine, an even higher calling for best of the best to create an illuminating romanticism surrounding their collections now exists. In difficult climates, only the inspired will survive by providing a safe haven of sorts for the sartorially inclined while pulling in the reins on mass-market appeal and a glorified sense of world dominance.

But what exactly does this do for consumer confidence?

Well for one, the parades of neo-fashionistas who recently came up through the ranks via reality television sensations that ooze the latest trends and shamelessly bleed faux couture appeal finally begin to dwindle. Fashion becomes relegated to more of a luxury than an actual necessity as the wallets begin to close to higher retail outlets. The average consumer is now far more informed and can deal with less in an effort to achieve the look and feel of more. However, the truly responsible and fashion-hungry following will begin to pace themselves and seek out only the worthiest of buys in their lifelong quest to remain above the fray. A much smaller class of shopper is created to support the truly motivated visions being brought to life in these turbulent times. Buying less with a growing awareness for what is truly desired is now the latest trend.

During my recent trip to Vegas, the boutiques and shops that line The Strip all featured banners and signs advertising their ongoing sales. “70% off the already marked-down prices.” I spoke with some of the sales associates, asking how the economy has affected the high-end retailers in a city known primarily for its excesses. “In the beginning, the people who could afford to continued to buy,” one said. “But eventually, the foot traffic began to slow and we found ourselves looking around at the same pieces going into markdowns for extended periods of time.”

I continued on about my business, browsing through the assorted pieces that would occasionally catch my eye. I made my way through a number of shops and sifted through virtually every sales rack with an extremely frugal trigger on my purchasing gun. I was doing my best to seek out the proper find, with every intention of selecting an item that would be well worth the money, sale or no sale. I finally asked to see a pair of olive and sliver Lanvin high-top sneakers in a size 43, still at a retail price of $815. Apparently I had arrived in Vegas just short of this particular store’s extended markdown period.


Lanvin Sneakers

contact:
e-mail: gboisson27@hotmail.com

Your Opinion / Comments | 0 | Email This Article