This story first appeared in the January 2009 print edition of National Jeweler

Industry forecast 2009: Fashion

Organic, cost-savvy pieces climb fashion's trellis
By Catherine Dayrit
February 17, 2009

New York--It's difficult to discuss fashion these days without the conversation taking a sharp turn toward a much less exhilarating yet equally timely topic: the state of the economy.

Especially when it comes to those oh-so-flighty trends that set down and alight as quickly as the seasons turn, retailers can't help but consider the competing tugs on consumers' pocketbooks as they decide which merchandise will be stylish and salable enough to make the grade in their stores.

Among the most prominent of trends was global-inspired looks that borrowed from around the globe. For jewelry, that means baubles with a hand-wrought, crafty bent to them, such as necklaces featuring beading and organic materials including wood, shell and leather, says Helena Krodel, associate director of media for the Jewelry Information Center.

Move over big boys and girls, we small jewelers are movin' on up~~

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