CREDIT CRUNCH

If you're worried about the dramatic drop of the market and the fact that you may have less money to spend on pieces by big names, then take a look at smaller fashion labels. And since it's Paris fashion week and my head is still a little bit in the turquoise waters of the South of France (especially since I write this to the sound of a London October shower), let's focus on a Parisian woman who each year offers stylish and affordable pieces to update your wardrobe: Isabel Marant.
For spring 2009 she presented a beautiful collection of her signature easy looks. A little bit rock n' roll, a little bit folky, but always with an injection of ethnic details. Slouchy pants, quilted jackets and minis, boyish jackets and tiered ruffled dresses, lace, florals, plaid and shots of colours. Bohemian, chic, classic but always cool. Adorable, relaxed and refined, Isabel Marant's collection is a definite problem-solver for those of us eager to invest in good spring 2009 designs but unable to afford the group of ultra luxe designers like Balmain. Declining global market factors and the fashion industry, not a good combination ...