Monday 10 May 2010

Thought of the Week - Focus and Fashion

Much as one wishes not to be a doom monger - it is going to be tough times ahead in the UK. Even the US is seeing more than a recovery with a 3.8% growth rate compared to our ...well zero ish one. We have a bit of a deficit, but I'm not worried about it in the way many are comparing us to Greece, but more the measures that will be taken to tackle it. What does this have to do with fashion you ask?
When it comes personal purchases more thoughtful and strategic decisions will need to be made if your disposable income is hit by greater taxation, higher bills. I will complete a series of posts on Project 100; which will be designed for those of you who want to have a flexible but fab wardrobe but have to take care with your finances. This won't be relevant to all but for those of you who have your focus on other matters I hope it will help you to use your money wisely and make some great purchases.

The main impact will be on the focus of the fashion houses - they will be looking ever Eastward as the rate of growth and disposable incomes increase in China and India. The European and American cash flow is beginning to bite. Think back a few years to Samantha and the Hermes Birkin bag episode 'Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda' in series 4 - well there is no wait list now!

What sells well by the big players will define the catwalks over the coming seasons. My only sure bet is, it won't be the Grecian look. What do you think? Hard fashion times ahead?

12 comments:

  1. Hi there-yes, 90s minimalism is back, I think this well stay in trend for a couple of seasons to come. Have a great week ahead my dear!!

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  2. Hard times in general ahead I think. And perfect timing on the post. I'm trying to work out how to pep up my wardrobe without spending a small fortune and getting pieces that last... Plus getting over the mental block of spending on clothes. Even though I'm more than happy to spend on everything else... Looking forward to the posts to follow!

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  3. Hard times ahead I think. I'm going to embrace austerity measures. Who's running the show over there right now? Any decisions as to Who's In Charge?

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  4. Cool blog! I just love it!
    xox

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  5. I think only at some places...

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  6. No holidays in Greece for me :-) I think the way forward will be key quality pieces rather than quantity but Fashion wouldn't be fashion without the odd irrelevent and downright unwearable 'does it make my bum look big' choices. There will always be a small proportion of people who can afford High Couture fashion, those ideas eventually filter down the fashion chain and appeal to the 'I must have a new outfit for Saturday night out, got a new boyfriend, wedding' scenario. Nothing makes you feel better than a bit of retail therapy!

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  7. Thank you for your visit! You make me happy.
    :)
    xox

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  8. I think tough times are ahead.
    We just got a HUGE property tax increase.
    I am still wondering how we will get through this, it's so bad I don't even want to think about it.
    No retail therapy for me !

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  9. Time will be hard for many fashion houses. You are right, I am seeing more supplies at Hermes but also been informed Hermes has cut production to ensure the balance of supply and demand.

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  10. My guess is yes, hard fashion times ahead. I doubt, unfortunately, that this financial crisis is over yet. Although by the crowds shopping down on 34th Street in NYC, it sure doesn't seem like it. I think people are enjoying being back in the stores again, until the next crisis hits!

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  11. I don't know...everytime I make a projection about sales I am surprised by how much spending on fashion and luxe paroducts is actually going on.
    Personally, I think that it is time for a correction in the market. The inflation on the cost of high end fashion items, shoes, bags, clothes, sunglasses etc., has far outpaced actual inflation.
    The margins on these products have got to be brought back under control.
    IMHO

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  12. Belle De Ville - you are absolutely right about the correction but there are so many super rich out there who keep buying at over inflated prices - plus the market entry prices for designer goods in far east are lower than in the west.

    The majority of high end shoppers in London are from abroad.

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