Spring Break
Shop wisely and still dress well in tough economic times
Jessica Caramenico
Issue date: 3/25/09 Section: A & E
As an individual with a high interest in fashion, I find it interesting to hear what designers say about the current social situations and how they design accordingly.
And I also want to hear the advice they give to fashionistas deciding how to maintain their wardrobes while being wise with their money.
In a sociology class I once took, I researched a thesis about how fashion is affected by major events in society. A good example that is applicable today is an economic depression.
In the Great Depression, which began in 1929, clothes no longer went out of style with the seasons, as they usually do.
Clothes had to last longer due to the lack of money for wardrobe updates and accessories. This was also a time when American designers became popular and more widely recognized because few people had the income to buy the fashions from Paris.
Costume designers for films, such as Muriel King, Jean Louis and Gilbert Adrian, grew in popularity as movies from Hollywood were seen across the United States and around the world. The clothes seen in this inexpensive form of entertainment influenced fashion and helped create a uniquely American style.
Currently, most economies around the globe are in a recession and the style industry is an area where an effect can be seen.
Designers like Michael Kors, though he is designing his collections in the same manner as always, is not above giving tips to help his customers "survive" this current economic recession in style.
Just as in the Great Depression when designers brought the wardrobe staples back -simple dresses with waistlines and longer hemlines, more sensible than the styles of the flappers - Kors keeps his collections timeless and encourages his clients to re-wear his pieces over and over.
On his Web site, MichaelKors.com, there is an area where customers can submit questions to receive his fashion advice. While I was reading over recent questions, it was interesting to see the responses that he gave concerning wardrobe updates.
As one of my favorite designers, I was pleased to see that Kors did not push his own products, but encouraged people to buy the highest quality and most wearable clothes that they could afford. He also suggested keeping their wardrobes as timeless as possible. He encouraged staples such as the pullover, pencil skirt and little black dress.
With that said, there is no reason to despair over the current financial crisis and how it will affect your own wardrobe. Dress timelessly, include wardrobe staples, choose quality over quantity, and keep it fun with accessories to mix and match.
And I also want to hear the advice they give to fashionistas deciding how to maintain their wardrobes while being wise with their money.
In a sociology class I once took, I researched a thesis about how fashion is affected by major events in society. A good example that is applicable today is an economic depression.
In the Great Depression, which began in 1929, clothes no longer went out of style with the seasons, as they usually do.
Clothes had to last longer due to the lack of money for wardrobe updates and accessories. This was also a time when American designers became popular and more widely recognized because few people had the income to buy the fashions from Paris.
Costume designers for films, such as Muriel King, Jean Louis and Gilbert Adrian, grew in popularity as movies from Hollywood were seen across the United States and around the world. The clothes seen in this inexpensive form of entertainment influenced fashion and helped create a uniquely American style.
Currently, most economies around the globe are in a recession and the style industry is an area where an effect can be seen.
Designers like Michael Kors, though he is designing his collections in the same manner as always, is not above giving tips to help his customers "survive" this current economic recession in style.
Just as in the Great Depression when designers brought the wardrobe staples back -simple dresses with waistlines and longer hemlines, more sensible than the styles of the flappers - Kors keeps his collections timeless and encourages his clients to re-wear his pieces over and over.
On his Web site, MichaelKors.com, there is an area where customers can submit questions to receive his fashion advice. While I was reading over recent questions, it was interesting to see the responses that he gave concerning wardrobe updates.
As one of my favorite designers, I was pleased to see that Kors did not push his own products, but encouraged people to buy the highest quality and most wearable clothes that they could afford. He also suggested keeping their wardrobes as timeless as possible. He encouraged staples such as the pullover, pencil skirt and little black dress.
With that said, there is no reason to despair over the current financial crisis and how it will affect your own wardrobe. Dress timelessly, include wardrobe staples, choose quality over quantity, and keep it fun with accessories to mix and match.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Anna
posted 2/04/10 @ 11:28 AM EST
Fashion is always such an interesting topic. And this article is really useful and kind of calming .
Writing Job
posted 2/06/10 @ 8:44 AM EST
A lot of useful information - briefly and interestingly. Thank you!
Russian Wives
posted 3/19/10 @ 1:08 AM EST
Hello! first I want to send my best regard for all of you,and hope your sucsees in this area your site is very usiful for all of us.
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