New York Fashion Week 2009: Credit Crunch Bites

So, it seems that the credit crunch is even being felt in the one area that you wouldn’t expect to see it. New York Fashion Week has long been synonymous with expense, luxury and designer glamour. However, this year, it has been just that little bit less costly…

Designers showcasing their new season fashions on the catwalk have cut down on the number of models used and the fashions seem to have been toned down a little bit. Naturally, there is still the big, bold items that attract attention, but look closely and compare it to previous New York Fashion Week’s and you will see that it is clear the credit crunch has finally hit the luxury market. The fashion designers themselves are struggling to shift the stock they have in the upmarket stores, and cheques to the designers are being returned after having bounced.

So, this might not affect the luxury market drastically, but it will cause a bit of a stir…

So Where Is The Fashion Capital Of The World?

I think many people would argue on where the fashion capital of the world is. Lets look at the rivals:

Milan (Italy)

London (UK)

New York (US)

Paris (France)

Tokyo (Japan)

Well, having visited all these places in my time, i would hedge a bet and say that New York is probably the fashion capital of the world for me. The sheer number of fashion houses and stylish men and ladies parading the streets makes it quite special to me. However, some might say this is a rather obvious choice, so i decided to weigh up the other options.

In London, you get class combined with elegant chic fashions. With renowned UK designers, it make this one special place to be. My faves: Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith.

In Paris, you get a much more effortlessly chic sense of style. The French fashions are often unique and it is the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré that shows us just what is so great about France. Luxury brands and neat stores makes this one my favourite locations.

For many, Milan is undoubtedly the fashion capital of the world. It has, for decades, been renowned for its stunning fashions and authentic brands. When you think of Gucci, you think of travelling to Milan and seeing the store in all its glory. The Italian ladies are, once again, stylish to the max and epitomise all that is on trend in the world of fashion. The Gucci store in Milan is the largest Gucci flagship store.

http://www.fashionwindows.com/boutiques/gucci/milan.asp

However, let us not forget about Tokyo. The Japanese are so on the pulse with their fashions, i believe this is a strong contender for fashion capital of the world. Japanese fashion makes the UK seem almost archaic in its approach to trends. Simply take a look at eBay and type in “Japanese dress” to see what i mean. You will often see the word “kawaii”  which means “cute” in Japanese, and this is something that young Japanese girls like their look to be. Japanese fashion is quirky and most definitely unique. Just take a look at my findings below:

Japanese Fashion

(Source: http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_lacking-in-style)

Take a look at the fur used here; not to my style, but very big in Japan.

Quirky Japanese Fashion

(Source: http://www.xanga.com/Colour_In_My_Quotes_x3/676912727/japanese-fashion.html)

The image above shows some rather unsual examples of Japanese fashion. Naturally, this isn’t regular attire, but just look at the facial decorations; even these are stylish and quirky! Anyone walking down the street in the UK with these would look ridiculous

For more examples of unique Japanese fashion, and why i think they could quite possibly be the fashion capital of the world, or at least the most unique fashion capital of the world, then paste the link below:

http://www.xanga.com/Colour_In_My_Quotes_x3/676912727/japanese-fashion.html