Luigi Tadini Reports: Fashion Optimism in These Bleak Times

In the weeks leading up to the fall/winter collections, many questions have been asked in regards to the effects our crumbling economy has had on the fashion industry. Unfortunately, I can't offer any lengthy advice when it comes to saving your 401K from complete oblivion, nor do I have the formula for saving your job and social security pension. I lack the finance degree and my education in business goes little beyond the handful of core credits, the daily tutoring from the New York Times Business section and the countless hours of television programming devoted to the crisis (Thanks, Maria Bartiromo!). So when my friends ask me these questions of finance meets fashion, I find myself searching for the right words trying to formulate the intelligent response they are looking for. Instead, all I can think about is the fact that creativity and innovation thrive in times of crisis. My new mantra might sound naïve but this Pollyanna approach to our times has been of immense help and actually propelled some personal growth and stimulated my very own creativity.

As Fox News calls for the heads of the Democrats as part of their never-ending liberal witch hunt, I say ignore it all. Ignoring does not mean forgetting or simply being oblivious to the world around us. In fact, if you possess the skills required to fix it all, please I urge to take the lead. But for others who lack the financial savvy but are skilled in the creative department, let's do what we do best: Let's inspire.

No matter how unnerving it is to witness the extinction of some of our most trusted and well loved titles, the grim sales at our department stores, and the far more serious sadness of those who lose their jobs and homes; we still need to give the world what we have best to offer: creativity and innovation.

Fashion, like art, has always given us all something to dream about. Designers and editors create a fantastical world of pure fashion magic admired by many in the glossy pages of magazines.

So this Fashion Week, I urge you designers to IGNORE. I don't want to see collections in subdued hues that emulate the Great Depression, or a throw back to the early '90 starved and drugged-out punk years. Give America glamour they can dream about: High stilettos, luxurious fabrics, Saville Row suits, big hair and tons of accessories. Let's take the Pollyanna approach and give them some slightly delusional but entirely inspiring optimism.

It is time to eat cake!

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