Aesthetics + Economics

Proenza Schouler for Target + "Insider Trading"

Jing, a financial analyst and devoted fashion consumer, writes one of my favorite fashion blogs. She recently posted about the not-so-innocent actions of certain fashion insiders who attended the private shopping event at Opening Ceremony before the boutique's Proenza Schouler for Target pop-up opened to the public.

"I arrived at the store at 11am on Friday, the opening time announced on the store's website. However, by the time I entered the store, almost all small sizes were gone. What happened?

[There] was a special party the night before for "VIP"s to make purchase ahead of the crowd. In addition, the Parsons' students were allowed to arrive at 9am on Friday to make purchase. Then I knew where those size XS and size 1 clothes went...eBay...Items are up and being marketed, at twice of the price."

She goes on to note that if she or her colleagues did the same with securities, they'd go to jail. How's that for perspective! This story struck me as a tad hilarious, but it makes you wonder: how much of the press is really wearing GO! International pieces?

Read more at Jing's Fashion Review.

Trends for Fall 2007: Part II

Ever the economist, I like to think of trends as fitting into a sort of framework. Therefore, I've decided to break down the Fall 2007 runway trends not randomly but by category. First we'll look at materials. Coming soon: colors, silhouettes, details and embellishments, themes and influences.

Shag at Max Mara, Fendi. Also seen at Prada, Malo, Stella, and 6267 among aothers. While at times this trend has indeed resulted in somewhat bizarre looks--Style.com's Laird Bordelli described one Malo coat as having "hirsute beaver sleaves"--shag is suprisingly wearable paired with sleek separates such as skinny pants or pencil skirts.

Black leather at Christopher Kane, Burberry Prorsum, J. Mendel.

Synthetic-looking sheen at Burberry Prorsum, Y & Kei,
Cavalli, Jil Sander. At the tents in Bryant Park, I heard a lot of buzz about lurex. I am not sure if the above looks incorporate lurex (I am an economist, not a fashion student after all!) but one thing is for sure: shine in all forms will continue to be a major trend through the winter of '07-'08.

Satin at Sofia Kokosalaki, Bottega Veneta.

Feathers at Andrew Gn, Balmain, Marchesa.

Patent leather at Marni, Burberry Prorsum, Missoni, Max Mara. If the idea of wearing lots of this somewhat wild material does not suit your tastes or your lifestyle, try it in smaller doses--opera length gloves, ankle boots, a wide belt, or a bag are all good bets.