Chinese kids sold ‘Barbie dream’ (BBC)
“Mattel, the world’s largest toymaker, opened the world’s first Barbie store in Shanghai in March of this year, offering patrons a chance to live and embrace the Barbie lifestyle in its entirety.” (See video here)

Luxury brands look to China amid global crisis (Forbes)
“China’s 6 billion euro ($8 billion) luxury market accounts for just 3 percent of global sales, but China and Brazil are projected to be the two fastest-growing luxury markets for the five years through 2012, according to consulting firm Bain & Co.”

Recession: No let-up in demand for designer wear (The Economic Times)
“Those who are rich in the true sense have enough reserves to maintain their lifestyle. They are thus not so impacted by these market dynamics. It is when you don’t have adequate reserves to sustain your lifestyle that one gets affected.”

Credit insurers’ attitude harms fashion recovery (The Times)
“The shrinking economy, the rapid increase in unemployment and a weak pound have done the fashion sector no favours. Now the industry’s recovery is being severely hampered by the actions of credit insurers, which have been withdrawing their support at a time when it is needed most.”

Optimism Grows but Deflation Fears Stay (WWD)
“Major banks may be healthier than originally feared and hopes may be rising that the economy has bottomed out, but there is still one word that continues to strike terror in the hearts of business.” (Subscription required)