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We keep reading that hardcore consumers aren't shopping less because of the recession, just shopping for more dramatic items. If a coat or a dress doesn't make your jaw drop, it won't sell. Today, the conventional wisdom is coming from Sarah Easley of Kirna Zabête: "Shoppers are looking for excellent quality, show-stopping items...For some clients 'show-stopping' means fantastic fantasy fashion, while others prefer luxurious classics. Price is less of an issue if the pieces are a perfect match for the client." All of this means that leather is suddenly huge at Kirna, "from Rick Owens leather jackets to Elise Øverland leather leggings and Azzedine Alaïa belts." [JC Report]