As the recession goes on and deepens and widens like a gloomy lake of tears filling up from the well of gloom, I reflect on the fashions that might emerge at this taxing time. I supposed that most buyers would go for a minimalistic look, no frills, no flamboyant colour, no fancy details, just a monastic brown look, exuding poverty and chastity - verging on the dull. However the opposite effect is blossoming.
People under pressure seem to have opted for vibrant colours like fuchsia purple and in-your-face white. Textures have been exotic, much animal print, crocodile and shiny faux leathers, wood finishes have been requested that would be outrageous even in rich and decadent times. Lots of silver leaf, oodles of Svarowski crystal addenda, even fur trimmings! Not only are we getting orders for OTT pieces but also if customers order multiples of the same chair or sofa they want a lot of variety so no two pieces are the same.
Normally as a sensible supplier you would spurn these orders or persuade the client that they ought to make the selection more uniform - but let's face it, it is a buyer's market. Cash is king and the days when you turn down an eccentric order are long gone. The books are full again and we are doing overtime in this mad world because we have grasped the nettle having decided the customer is always right.
So long may this ''recession'' sustain itself. It looks pretty likely as the government gives away the family jewels in the knowledge they won't be in charge for long and some other team will have to wear the yoke of power and we will be impoverished but highly decorated as once we were with blue woad.
By the way - blue is not a great furnishing colour.