They do say...

that there are clear links between fashion and the economy. You know, how traditionally skirts get shorter and colours get louder as the economy improves and get longer and more muted when things take a downturn - as at present.

The reason I'm thinking of this was the fact that we got three dress adverts over the past 24 hours where the dresses exhibited a certain similar quality; an Elie Saab - Hera, an Ian Stuart Topaz and a Linea Rafaelli 3666033 (see slideshow or visit www.thedressmarket.net). It difficult to describe what that similarity is since they are each very different from the other, but I couldn't help thinking there was a connection to the economy. The designs are very intricate and complex, but at the same time understated. The material has a crushed and at times almost distressed appearance and the overall appearance is one of extremely high design quality but one which escews ostentation.

It will be interesting to see how this season pans out and the types of dresses being sold compared to previous, more prosperous years.