BRIEFING: Designerwear

After a decade of booming growth, labels like Gucci, Prada, Bulgari and Armani are finally feeling the pressures of tough economic times and price-conscious consumers who value cash in hand as much as designer cache. Even more daunting than consumers’ spending cutbacks is their insistence on value. Moving forward, consolidation is king in the luxury world and also a somewhat dirty word among the designers who prefer their signature cachet wasn’t bankrolled by wealthy corporations. This month's management briefing gives you an overview of the designerwear market, an analysis of the consumer, an insight in to the luxury designer and offers a better feel of the retail perspective.