More from Kan-Kan Kandy

During a trip to Paris last year my friend Kandy Russo (a professional personal stylist) managed to get inside the Little Black Dress shop, known locally as La Petit Robe Noir.

Said store in Jardin Du Palais - Royal 125, Galerie De Valois 75001 Paris if you happen to be going in that direction - is owned by Didier Ludotand and run by Madame Dominique, a lady of small stature but big discipline.

You don't just walk into the shop to buy your little black dress. You need an appointment and, even when you get there, you are not allowed to handle the garments, so haute are they. Madame looks you over and then tells you if you'll fit into small, extra small or barely there. The idea of black hiding fat is off the radar because fat is not permitted.

Only after your decision to purchase are you allowed to try on a dress that will cost between $5000 and $6000. The boutique adds about a dozen new styles a season in various exotique noir fabrics.

Kandy's current one line message is that fashion is about plain garments and outstanding accessories. Shoes, bags and jewellery carry the day. In these times of difficult-to-open wallets and purses, money should be spent on highlight accessories, not background clothing.

Up with the lingo

If you want to talk the talk you must keep up with the lingo, especially new expressions applying to the fashion industry. I was reminded of this recently when a Paris runway (no longer a catwalk, thank you) show featured some little kids, one of whom's lower half garment fell down. The kid, gender not specified, didn't see the funny side of it and stopped for a good bawl while trying to re-hitch.

We were told by the television's voice-over that the child had suffered a 'wardrobe malfunction'. Other notable wardrobe malfunctions of the past include Jennifer Hawkins who lost her skirt and exposed her g-strung buttocks during a parade, and Janet Jackson exposing a nipple at an awards ceremony.

I would have thought a wardrobe malfunction was when the wardrobe door got stuck or when the knob came off in your hand. But no. Anything that goes awry with clothing can designated a wardrobe malfunction. Thus a retailer who returns goods for no particular reason can scrawl across the credit request 'returned because of wardrobe malfunction'. Or even a streaker at a football match could blame his nudity on a wardrobe malfunction and likely be let off the fine.

The world according to Josh

I've quoted Josh Scacheri before and now I'm going to quote him again. For the record, he runs a menswear designer retail/wholesale business called Subfuso in Westend, a suburb of Brisbane. There is nobody whose clothes stretch my credulity or makes me mutter more about the misguided exuberance of youth than Josh. Yet on both counts I suspect that the problem is with me.

I asked Josh how the economic quagmire had affected him and waited for a recitation of grief. Instead, he said this: "Economic downturn: well I believe that the media really scares the public, and if I really think about it, it won't affect us that much. Our figures have been up since last year. Christmas was pretty much the same, but January has been great. They say the weak will be washed out this year and the strong will survive. I think the dumb will be washed out and smart will survive. We will continue to push customer relationships, giving our clients a one on one experience, not forcing them to buy, but making them want to buy because we provide a good quality product at a good price. We also give them one to one styling tips, colour tips and friendly service.

"We send out an email newsletter, E-trend, about every two weeks. We research what's happening on the streets of New York or Milan, and we show the findings to our clients. We can then offer them pieces which are designed by us on the same theme, except it has our influence and the Subfusco label. We will also continue to do launches, fashion shows at budget cost, gaining sponsors and giving our loyal customers something back.

"In-store events, like wine tasting nights, mean having some fun while making shopping not about just spending but developing a personal relationship with our clients and becoming friends. This creates a loyal following.

"I buy just enough stock - careful not to over-spend. Based on sales records we are getting pretty good at how much stock we need and what sells best. We research what is in and buy or design accordingly, while keeping our overhead down so our prices remain competitive. And never let us forget that staff is the most important asset in building a brand."

By Fraser McEwing