YSL Autumn/Winter 1966-1967 and Yves Saint Laurent with Betty Catroux and Loulou de la Falaise, courtesy of YSL

In the Black, YSL Plots Ambitious Growth (WWD)
“While the global economic crisis has thrown many high-flying luxury brands into a tailspin, operating under trying circumstances is old hat for the folks at Yves Saint.” (Subscription required)

Rumors Swirl: Is Fall 2009 Olivier Theyskens’ Last Collection for Nina Ricci? (WSJ)
“Since Mr. Theyskens arrived at Nina Ricci in 2006, he has been hailed as a genius by critics. But perhaps in these tough economic times, genius isn’t enough.”

February retail sales crash (Drapers)
In the UK, “like-for-like fashion sales fell by 9.7% in February according to BDO Stoy Hayward’s Like-for-Like Club.”

Retail Sales Show Signs of Life (WSJ)
Americans have started spending again – at discount stores like Wal-Mart.