When the economy downturn first hit the world last year, many thought it could/ will be a narrow escape for creativity to maybe grow a little again, a chance to nurture newcomers, when cleansing the dirts and bruises are also on hand missions etc. Proven by some recent events, I believe it’s taking effect already.
BLOGGING PROS | It’s easy to blame everything on recession, but looking back the last two weeks, we see changes. Normally, fashion lovers around the world observe the fashion week, be it men’s or women’s, from far by sitting in front of the computer, browsing online show by show, following tightly for the new creations. The ordinary sources are fashion websites such as style.com, catwalking, Coutorture and WWD etc. People and oohhs ‘n wows at home alone, react freely according to his/her own judgement and would express at their own little blogsphere platform. As time goes by, opinionated bloggers prove their status and attract followers, thus the reputation grew.
Remember how bloggers were dissed by professional media at one point about the lack of journalism training? By 2010 mens fashion week, we don’t only follow the common media sources for reportage, bloggers like 00o00 and Bryan Boy were invited to attend to shows in Milan. Big houses like Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana etc embrace and recognize their work. They appeared as a professional blogger or VIP guest maybe, I don’t know, but they exist and witness up-close and personal, and it’s beneficial to both parties.
*Elder* bloggers such as theSartorialist, JD, Jak&Jil or Susie Bubble have been going to shows for a while. However, the difference is fatal this time. You see 00o00 acted and was treated like a professional press, interviews were arranged, he posts pictures from backstage and front row direct from all angles in nanosecond; recording/reporting whatever triggers his interests – the job! When over there not faraway, Bryan Boy busied himself like Andre Leon Tally, got interviewed by DG’s blogsite – ‘Swide‘, when rubbing shoulders with Christopher Bailey and Stefano Gabbana backstage. I mean you normally get this as journalists/press bloggers. Okay, BB is a celebrity, but my point is, brands are taking them seriously, they’re aware of the importance of blogsphere and make good use of it. We know they have less press from Asia Pacific this fashion week due to the budget cutting, why not explore the platform with no boundaries; maybe they’re desperate and take ‘em purely as marketing tacts, who knows? But it’s surely working 200% and mission has been completed.
Does the picture (on the right) represent an emerging creative force? You get a stylist, a fashion director, a celebrity/blogger and an aspiring designer there. Maybe it’s just the matter of time, all these could have happened anyway, but recession has pushed it forward.
POWER GAME | 
Like many things fashion, it starts from small and unknown. Big brands like Chanel cannot use stylish editors due to the conflict of interests. But they quickly noticed in order to have the help or interests from fashionista/o, you’d need to know how to sell to them first. And most fashion connoisseurs do not buy marketing gimmicks created by pop idols like 
MISS MOVES: Sigrid de l’Epine — long associated with Balenciaga — is switching luxury camps and heading to Chanel. The leggy, lethally chic de l’Epine will be in charge of public relations for Chanel couture, a new post reporting to Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel’s fashion division. She starts this week. At Balenciaga, she had been responsible for public relations and patrimony. 
Designing well for a storied house means respecting the past and forging into the future – a balancing act at which Nicolas Ghesquière excels. Referencing the architectural shapes of founding couturier Cristobal Balenciaga, he spun them forward into a collection that is sartorial, modern – and diverse. “The tailoring is graphic and construction compact,”Ghesquière said. Sharply cut jackets – some in thick linens – looked rich, as did an ottoman silk coat in pale green. Riffing on a subtle Japanese theme, there were high, kimono collars and gleaming metallic samurai sandals. There were also terrific screen-printed T-shirts and sturdy denim jeans and jackets. Although still in its infancy – men’s wear launched in 2004 – Balenciaga men’s wear is building towards a complete and more accessible wardrobe. 
