What Yamamoto bankruptcy means for industry

He may have already found an investor, but the symbolic bankruptcy of Yamamoto is a disheartening reflection of the current industry.

I, for one, was shocked to hear of the label's financial woes, even in this recessionary climate. It would not surprise me so to hear of the same fate for a brand with mass appeal, like Louis Vuitton, for instance, as such would likely be a mirror-like reflection of the mass drop off in discretionary spending, but Yamamoto is very niche market.

I just believe Yamamoto, like Margiela or Commes des Garcons, appeals to a less price conscious customer.

One can easily 'trade down' and get interpretatations of the seasonal trends seen on the runways of major fashion houses on the high street, but one cannot so easily find substitutes for Yamamoto.

To me, the bankruptcy means people are even curbing spending on points of difference, or 'something special', simply put.

This is not good news for young designers, and it's definitely not good news for local Antwerp designers, who, in general, thrive on creativity and differentiation.