Now that's interesting. Independents have gained market share in womenswear against the multiples. According to exclusive figures given to Drapers by retail research firm TNS Worldpanel, independents now command 7.5% of the womenswear market, up from 6.7% this time last year (see page 10 for details).

There are two breeds of copiers: trend scouts who watch designers like hawks, have an instinct for the commercial and a talent for picking the winners; and style stealers, who copy designs and then present them as their own.

I know we are looming on the edge of recession but we can't just blame the government and the banks for this, we as individuals have to take a certain amount of responsibility too.