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.

Japan slips into recession (FT)
According to FT, “the Japanese economy entered its first recession in seven years.”

Brioni Seeks Minority Investor (WWD)
Brioni is said to be selling a 20-25 percent stake of its company.

The Green revolution: Sir Philip Green (The Scotsman)
Sir Phillip Green will have his eye on the many high-street fashion companies up for sale next year.

Will London’s First Luxury Mall Spur Spending? (Ad Age)
A faltering economy and the fact that malls are not a huge part of the European shopping culture could make Westfield London a tough sell.

Street scene in Shibuya, Tokyo courtesy of  Guwashi99, under Creative Commons.