Prudent Designer Diane Von Furstenberg

4 months ago 22nd Jul 13:30

Diane von Furstenberg says the fashion industry needed a "laxative" to slow down spending.

The prestigious fashion designer is relieved the trend for consumers to spend more than they could afford on clothing has been halted by the recession.

She said: "It needed a laxative. All of us, we made too many clothes. Too much fat, too much spending. There was too much of everything."

Instead, the 62-year-old designer - whose dresses are a favourite among celebrities including Jessica Alba, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez - says shoppers must be more selective with their wardrobe and splash out on a few good-quality statement pieces to see them through these financially-challenging times.

laxative to slow down spending

She explained to the New York Times newspaper: "Nobody needs anything. Whatever you have in your closet is good enough, do you know what I'm saying? So you need to be very creative in times like this.

"I don't want to sound condescending like everyone can afford a $400 dress. That is absolutely not the case. But we have a much broader appeal than some of our competitors that only have $2,000 dresses."