Fashion Week in New York Begins: Spring '09

The Spring 2009 shows have begun spilling down the catwalks in New York, yet because of the slowing US economy and the falling value of the US dollar, many designers are courting overseas retailers in an effort to make up for expected cutbacks in orders from U.S. department stores.

Designers Seek Foreign Sales:
"Stores typically place orders at showroom appointments after shows in Manhattan's Bryant Park -- roughly four to six months before the styles show up in stores. But with August sales continuing to sag, some U.S. retailers have been signaling that they won't be buying as much as in years past."

Here's an introduction to some of the looks you might not see in US Department stores come Spring:

Erin Fetherston

Rag and Bone

Nicole Miller

Yigal Azrouel

"Oscar de la Renta Ltd. expects buyers from 25 foreign stores at its runway show Wednesday, compared with three or four who have made the trip in the past, says Alex Bolen, chief executive officer of the New York fashion house . . . Designers Thakoon Panichgul and Derek Lam, meanwhile, have added longer hemlines and, in the case of Mr. Lam, long sleeves, to appeal to buyers from the Middle East. Mr. Lam plans to unveil the styles in his showroom rather than on the runway."