Graphic Arts

Oscar de la Renta
Richard Drew / AP

Michael Kors
Bebeto Matthews / AP

Oscar de La Renta opened his show yesterday with these bold, graphic swimsuits. Michael Kors also had bright graphic neoprene tank dresses. And Narciso Rodriguez showed this striped blue and white dress that looked very new for him. Bright and bold is the way to go in this economic climate if high-end designers are going to grab the consumer's eye and wallet. Retail buyers say they are being very cautious this season.

Narciso Rodriguez
Chris Moore / Catwalking / Getty

Michael Kors
Stan Honda / AFP / Getty

When I asked one buyer from a specialty store whether he had seen a change in the attitude of his very wealthy clients he said they were being a lot more “discerning,” Meaning, he said, that they might not spontaneously pick up a $8,500 Hermes messenger bag if they don't need one. And they certainly will not buy it in crocodile. Whereas a year or two ago they might have splurged on both versions, to the tune of $80,000.