The In Crowd

From the NY Times:

"They made trips to Italy, where Kiton apparel is carefully sewn by hand and doled out to retailers in modest quantities. Gradually, they were able to offer a limited selection in places like Beverly Hills and Chicago. Finally, Saks’s dream of opening a sumptuous Kiton boutique in New York came true — just in time for the worst recession in 70 years.

The people who run Saks are only a tiny bit sheepish about introducing such costly garments at such a dire moment.

“These are decisions that are made with significant advance planning,” said Ronald L. Frasch, president and chief merchandising officer for Saks. He emphasized that he would not undo the decision even if he could.

“A store like Saks needs to have the best product available,” Mr. Frasch said. “And I do think the man who wants to present himself in a certain way, he’s still out there.”"

Is he right? Somehow I doubt it. Click here for the full article. [NY Times]