Australia's Fashion Week Dampened by Blues

Sadly, we're not talking about the sorts of blues that come stonewashed, riveted, and ready to wear. Rather, Australia's dear old institution of Fashion Week --usually so full of life and gaiety, especially for the Spring and Summer seasons-- has shown that the country's clothing industry is feeling the crunch of the worldwide economic downturn. Australia has refined and revolutionized over the years to become one of the world's front-runners when it comes to fashion. Several luxury boutiques and famous brand-name designers have opened up shop in Sydney and Melbourne, and many cities feature dedicated districts with all manner of chic modern fashion stores.
Experiencing a surge in popularity as well as the development of a national identity, Australian fashion is today able to contend with other world-class clothing destinations such as New York, Paris, Milan, and Tokyo. Naturally, the national fashion week, a spin-off of similar week-long events held in other clothing capitals, has likewise gained quite the cult following. In recent years, Australia's Fashion Week has featured scores of enthusiastic and well-dressed patrons, plenty of media coverage, and a generous amount of energy and spunk. Designs have been fresh, interesting, bold --the full range of everything modern dressers want in their wardrobes.
But fashion, like so many industries have been proving lately, is not immune to what has become a global financial tumult of staggering scale. There are a number of ways in which the global credit crisis presents the fashion industry with hurdles. One of the most pressing factors in the mix is the fact that many consumers aren't spending as much on clothes as they were during more prosperous days. The occasional splurge on a designer dress, suit, or bag (bought with that now-haunting phrase, “I'll charge it!”) has become a remnant of the past for scores of people around the world, in Australia and abroad. As demand for couture realizes a steep decline, the costs of materials and services are up; suddenly all that charmeuse and calfskin is creating a price tag that would have been shockingly high before the crisis hit, and which is now, for the most part, laughable.
Of course, fashion is all about creativity and invention, the putting together and fine-tuning of what's available to present the best aesthetic picture possible. As a result, the fashion industry in general, and Australia's market in particular, are showing that they're capable of adaptation, even if the adjustment is a little rocky at first. Australia's fashion week took the hint from its accounting books as well as the ambient mood to make its show strong, but more subdued than recent years. While many pieces still showed off the vibrancy and flights of fancy associated with the Spring and Summer seasons, there was a distinct presence of neutral, subtle designs, making well-crafted yet humble statements about the state of the industry and of the fashion-loving heart inextricably tied to it. Accessories and jewelry offered the brightest and best glimpses of hope among the various shows, presenting both bold and beautiful ideas that hint of the reinvention and invigoration to come, both for the industry and for its fans. In the meantime, sunnier days can be prophesized with affordable, elegant, and definitely Spring-ready costume jewellery.

Economy Bytes: Diamond Dilemmas Call for a Creative Change

The effects of the economic downturn are showing up seemingly everywhere, from the smallest daily detritus to the major headlines and events that almost defy believability. Like nearly every other industry, jewelry is certainly taking a hit; several companies with substantial assets in fine jewelry are finding themselves unable to keep up an adequate inventory with loans, or to sell off their products. Consumers seem to be experiencing the effects of being bitten by the practicality bug; in an environment where many are struggling in earnest to rise from the clutches of debt, arguably frivolous purchases such as rare and expensive jewelery just doesn't make much sense. As a result, several chains and individual stores have liquidated their stock or declared bankruptcy, including big-name international brands such as Tiffany & Co's Iridesse pearl jewellery outlet.
One sub-industry experiencing a particularly low point lately is that of the international diamond industry. Sales and demand are significantly down overall, and have been on a substantial downward trend since last September, following the fail of several key banks and firms with interests in the diamond market. Retailers report that customers still seem to stay true to diamonds for engagement and wedding rings, though the general extravagance of former days in terms of carat size, cut complexity, and setting value has followed the gloomy sentiment and taken a dip. And though the Christmas and Valentine's Day holiday seasons are usually bustling periods for the diamond trade, the industry has been presented with a fairly dismal report.
The lull in the diamond industry doesn't just affect retailers, however. The many thousands of people employed by DeBeers and related companies in developing countries are feeling the crunch of the credit crisis, as well. From the highly productive Gujarat mines of India to the prized mining and polishing centers strewn throughout Namibia and other poor African nations, people with no other vocation to turn to are finding themselves jobless or facing enforced pauses in production, stemming from a simple and harsh drop in worldwide, and particularly America, demand. While some workers are being paid during the mandatory vacations, and optimistic retailers insist that demand will rise again to outweigh supply, the current status is unmistakable.
But the glitz and glamour of diamond jewelry is a goal easily attained by the age-old abilities of costume jewellery. Swarovski crystals are world renowned for their dazzling sparkle and high value, despite a perfectly practical price tag. From elegant chandelier earrings dripping with Swarovski gems to necklaces and bracelets that glitter with a thousand points of pure, multicolored light, costume jewelry knows how to embrace the attitude and aptitude of the diamond.



This bold necklace features pear-cut clear Swarovskis that impart all the shine and shimmer of the genuine article.




For a truly impressive statement, this super-sized clear Swarovski crystal is as affordable as it is attractive.

And So Goes the Gold

For anyone with an interest in the stock market, dealing with a little debt, or working hard to reconcile the cost of living with the rewards of working (and let's face it -- that's really everyone --), times have been a bit rough recently. From layoffs to changing interest rates, bank closings to home foreclosures, many people across the country and indeed, around the world, are facing some difficult decisions about their finances. It's not too surprising that one of the first areas hit hard by the declining economic trend is gold.
Well, that depends on how you look at it, really. Gold has recently hit an all-time high, fetching nearly a thousand dollars per ounce. That's great news for some investors, but for most people, what it means is that a jewelry box full of seldom- or never-worn gold items might help make the days ahead that much brighter. Anticipating the increasing desire to sell private gold jewelry, some companies have begun advertising appraisal services, either online or by way of traveling appraisal shows. While selling private gold to such companies can be a positive experience, it's a good idea to do your own research first. A recent report on the subject suggests that potential sellers check out the current price of gold along with knowing the karat value of their pieces and an idea of the weight.
While getting a nice chunk of cash in exchange for old gold jewellery might inspire some relief and excitement, it can be a little sorrowful as well. After all, gold is a classic and handsome choice for jewelry and complements most looks and personal styles with a touch of richness. But jewelry makers have evolved over the years along with their craft, and today are able to create very realistic gold looks, either with faux finishes or easily affordable plating.
Bangle bracelets are a classic medium for the smooth look of gold, and when they incorporate the sparkle and glamour of Swarovski crystals, make for elegant pieces suitable for stopping traffic or subtly shining around a wrist.







Rings are also happily paired with the warm glow of gold, and benefit from a bit of shopper savvy when added to a collection of costume jewellery. Either plain and understated or showcasing a bold swath of color and texture, costume jewelry gold rings are a great way to make it through the economic slump in perfect style.



Letting a bit of one's old possessions go now and then is a good idea, and a natural part of life; it can be made a bit easier by pocketing the cash value. But the accessibility and great looks of costume jewelry make the extra space something to truly cheer about.