The Fashion Statement: What is One Luxury You Won't Give Up?

by Kristin Young (RSS feed)
Sep 14th 2009 at 8:01AM

Here at the spring shows in Bryant Park, there's a lot of waiting. Waiting in lines to get in. Waiting for shows to start. Waiting to exit.

We decided to put all that waiting to good use and ask fashion show attendees what is the one luxury they won't do without, even in tough times. What came back was answers more varied than the colors of spring, ranging from a BMW to a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

The majority chose little luxuries that had to with their person: manicures and pedicures, hair cuts, hair highlights, makeup and massages.

"Teeth bleaching!" offered Wendy Evankovitch, a pediatric dental assistant. "Chiropractor," said makeup artist Szilvia Varrs.

But there were some random answers, too. Nancy Mammana, who owns Rock Media Entertainment, won't do without dance lessons. Zachary Weiss, an intern for publicist Lizzie Grubman, said it was his needlepoint belt by Tucker Blair he splurged on recently. He was wearing it today.

Sadly, clothing was not the first word rolling off tongues, an indication of how difficult a time the industry has had lately. Accessories have had it a little easier.

Violet Xie, a fashion student, said vintage jewelry is her one shopping allowance because it can pump up a simple ensemble.

"I love handbags," said Jordan Brodsky, a college grad looking for a job in fashion, sporting a bright blue number from Michael Kors. "No matter how much weight you gain, they'll always fit you."

What about you? What is the one luxury you won't give up?

Tags: BMW, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Mercedes-benzFashionWeek, Michael Kors, MichaelKors, Starbucks