In Paris, Stella McCartney laughs off recession

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-10 14:37

A model presents a creation by British designer Stella McCartney as part of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's ready-to-wear fashion collection in Paris.[Agencies]

"I'd like to give women something they get noticed in but won't be overwhelmed by," McCartney told reporters after the show.

Her father, Paul McCartney, was beaming proudly from the front row and bopping along to the upbeat soundtrack. "I thought it was fabulous -- very mature and chic, and inventive with those boots," he said, adding that his daughter sometimes designed his stage suits.

Executives at the Gucci Group, which owns the Stella McCartney brand, are likely to be pleased with the wearable collection and accessories such as flat, black clutch bags, as the crisis is forcing buyers to take a hard look at price, quality and design.

Many American buyers, usually a visible presence at the Milan and Paris shows, have stayed away from the autumn/winter shows, preferring to order online or over the phone.

The Russians are also less noticeable -- not surprising, since Russia's economy is expected to shrink this year after a 10-year boom.

Those who were still attending said they had become more cautious.

"I am always a careful shopper but I think, in general, everybody is looking at the clothes more carefully, not just in terms of quality but also quantity," said Vinita Schroeder, a physician from Dallas dressed in a grey wool Stella McCartney bustier dress.

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