Raf Simons a/w '09-'10, photo courtesy of The New York Times

Fashion: How Do You Sell in Paris? With Romance (The New York Times)
In Paris, “unless the economic crisis worsens, designers are not likely to react in a meaningful way. That’s because men’s fashion has enjoyed an incredible run among young consumers in the last decade, with some of the strongest interest directed to tailoring.”

The $43,000 Recession Suit (WSJ)
With many retailers staying conservative amid the recession, some luxury companies such as Brioni are still peddling products with exorbitant price tags.

A Leaderless Barneys seems Fit To Be Sold (NY Post)
Isthismar, the Dubai based investment firm that bought Barneys last year, has now replaced Howard Socol as CEO.

Shoe Retailer Barratts Files for Administration (AP)
One of the UK high street’s most beloved shoe institutions files for bankruptcy, in the latest sign of the worsening economic climate.

Kim Jones, courtesy of IHT

Weaving innovation with history (IHT)
“I do like fantasy fashion – but I am a realist too,” says Kim Jones of his much anticipated work for legendary British label, Dunhill.

UK economy shrinks 1.5% in final quarter (FT)
“Britain fell deeper into recession on Friday after new figures revealed the economy contracted by 1.5 per cent in the final three months of last year,” reports the Financial Times.

The Brazilian New Media Force (JC Report)
A new media explosion is underway in Brazil.

Dubai May Opt to Bag Barneys (WSJ)
“Istithmar World, an investment arm of the Dubai government, is weighing a sale of luxury retailer Barneys New York just 18 months after buying it.”

For Luxury Brands, Less Money to Spend on Ads (New York Times)
The rapidly plummeting market for luxury goods in the United States (down 20.1% in October according to MasterCard) is having a knock-on effect on advertising spending.

Barney’s Designer Mailer Online Catalogue (Dualité)
Following in the steps of Net-a-Porter, Barney’s “Designer Mailer” signals a continuing trend in “shoppable editorials” online.

Paris’s newest and hippest shopping destination (IHT)
In Paris on Rue Mont Thabor, “a quiet [shopping] revolution has been taking place since the Maria Luisa store, with its raft of artfully selected designers, moved there after 20 years on Cambon.”

Perfumers Make Their Big Holiday Push (WSJ)
Despite fragrances’ slumping sales this year, companies are still launching new scents just in time for the holidays.

Macy’s Said Considering Consolidation (WWD)
Macy’s will consolidate its company from four into two divisions.

Marc Jacobs Holiday Party 2007, photo courtesy of The New York Times and PatrickMcMullan.com