>> Fall 2009 is "the make or break season" for small designers, according to Eric Wilson of The New York Times.  Stores are reducing their orders by 20 percent or more for Fall, and some are already trying to cancel their Spring orders, which puts small businesses, especially those without independent financial backing, in a tenuous position.  Basically, Wilson points out, "The more stores that close, the more designers will follow."  And in show season, the cost of samples and putting on a show doesn't help with the strain.

"We're just trying to survive." »