Oscar fashions give no hint of the weak economy (Newsday)
Despite tough times, no one was slumming it at the Oscars.

Factors Drop Barneys Over Sale Uncertainty (WWD)
Factors are no longer approving spring orders from Barneys over its uncertain future. (Subscription required)

London’s ‘cool girl’ starts growing up (IHT)
The perpetual focus on an ever-renewing young generation seems to be the mark of British fashion: always the hip chick, never the adult. But there are signs this London autumn 2009 season that the role model is growing up,” reports IHT.

J. Crew’s Madewell Launching Stores (WWD)
Despite the economy, J.Crew’s Madewell will open more stores. (Subscription required)