Friends in High Places

At a recent meeting of the CFDA the hot topic of debate was how designers are going to keep making their money when the average consumer doesn’t relate to the artistic vision of the shows themselves, and is presented with very different clothing options in their local stores.  Not to mention the possible problem with the proliferation of sales months before the next season hits to make room for new merchandise.  And back-to-back collections are worrisome too, as they think consumers might become overstimulated and therefore jaded.

Designers feel that the consumer is “confused” and has been “trained” to buy on sale.  I think the designers should stick to their artistic side. 

The consumers are just fine.  There are plenty of them that love the early pre-season stock of clothes.  I have many friends who start to think about fall in June and July because they say they are “over” summer and looking forward to autumn.  And savvy shoppers know that these sales are ultimately to their benefit because when the next season does roll around clothes for it are often already on sale (having been in the stores for a few months).

Then of course, there are always the scores of women who aren’t hip to this trend, don’t care, and buy at retail because they can.

If the designers are loosing profits, changing the fashion system will probably have fewer people in the stores overall due to the lack of sales.  And a general malaise for shopping altogether could set in.  What to do?  Go to your posh penthouses and summer homes and ride out the recession, like every other industry must.

P.S. — This is awesome:  Apparently in the meeting Anna Wintour suggested that they try to go to capitol hill to see if there can be some policy change requiring time periods for stores to put merchandies on sale.  The quote is, “We have friends in the White House now.”  Love it.

Tags: Anna Wintour, CFDA

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