Yes, we know you are all sick of hearing the word “recession” and its partner in crime, “economic downturn”, but when they start to infiltrate the business of fashion, you know it’s really getting bad.  WWD today reports on the various cost-cutting techniques that designers are planning to employ this season in order to fight back against the downturn in the luxury market.  Besides skipping Bryant Park this February for more intimate presentations a la Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson and Carmen Marc Valvo, designers are taking other drastic measures to ensure their brands make it through the “financial crisis” in one-piece.  From hiring fewer models at Lela Rose (gasp!) to cutting back on advertising while focusing on personal in-store appearances by the designer at Nicole Miller (photo above), it’s obvious the luxury market is feeling the pinch and they’re prepared to fight back. 

Interestingly enough, none of their economic survival plans include lower prices.  While some designers like Nicole Miller are cutting back on the number of items developed “solely for potential editorial coverage” (meaning fewer signature gowns will be made for celebs to pick and choose from for the red carpet), designers have no plans to offer more affordable pieces, at least for now.  Although Lela Rose is planing to focus on more value-driven merchandise, meaning more pieces offered at the opening price point of the line, we wonder how many other designers will follow suit.  And we wonder how designers will fare for the duration of 2009 when economists predict the worst of the storm will hit.  Could this mean more affordable luxury in our future?  Don’t hold your breath!