Randomly Noted

Today’s relatively happy August sales news from some of the U.S.’s major retailers – particularly Target, Costco and Gap – suggests people are tiptoing back into stores. They’re buying back-to-school gear selectively and perhaps trading up from Walmart. But the good times aren’t rolling again, rising waters aren’t lifting all boats. (I’m sure I can come up with more cliches to signify the economy is still wobbly.) Consider Liz Claiborne Inc. Today, DJN colleague Karen Talley was first to report that Liz has hired turnaround firm Alvarez & Marsal to boost its working capital and avoid bankruptcy. Liz’s decline is a sign of just how much women’s apparel trends have changed. A few decades ago, Liz represented active comfort. This was precisely what women needed. We were performing all manner of tasks – from serious jobs to serious child-rearing – and we wanted clothes that reflected our dynamic lifestyles. Specifically, we required good-looking clothes which weren’t so fashionable they constricted our range of motion. This worked well until we demanded more: Over time, we came to want distinctive, youthful flair combined with comfort. In effect, we were no longer willing to resemble one another sartorially. We wanted to dress and accessorize originally and freshly. And so, entrepreneurs wielding fabulous, affordable costume jewelry, scarves, handbags, shoes – not to mention skirts, dresses and slacks – popped up. To try to keep up, Liz made eclectic acquisitions – Lucky Brand Jeans, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture et al. And along the way, Liz got lost.