As hundreds of buyers gather in New York this week to see the spring designer fashions in beachy brights like marigold yellow and ocean blue parade down the runways, they're taking a hard look at what will excite their customers. Luxury chains such as Saks Fifth Avenue and designer boutiques across the U.S. have seen sales slow in recent months as their well-heeled clientele have cut back on $4,000 jackets and other pricey purchases amid turbulent financial markets. Added to the economic volatility is uncertainty about the U.S. presidential election, with many taking a wait-and-see approach. As a result, many high-end stores are delaying some of their spring ordering. Among the buyers who are placing orders, rather than playing it safe with classic items, they're looking for pieces that are bold and eye-catching without being too far out. "You have a nervous consumer, a nervous buyer and a nervous market," said John Mincarelli, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology who is also a retail consultant for designer boutiques. "It's a precarious decision-making time." In addition, he added, "you are buying for spring when you don't know if you will have a Republican or Democrat (in the White House). ... A lot of buyers are playing it close to the vest." Mincarelli estimated that buyers planning their designer clothing orders for the spring season are spending anywhere from level with year before to as much as 10 percent dow ...
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