The global meltdown has not even spared the fashion world which now can boast of new terms like "recessionista" and "chiconomics" thanks to the crisis.
"Chiconomics" and "recessionista", besides "Michele Obama", "Metallics", "Gladiator" and many more were named the top fashion buzzwords of the upcoming fall/winter 2009/10 season by the Global Language Monitor (GLM).
The New York Fashion Week begins on February 12.
"The fashion world is affected by the global economic meltdown like everyone else this year and this is reflected in this season's buzzwords," said GLM Director Millie L Payack. "Another significant influence is that of Michele Obama as the First Lady of the US, who already is the subject of vast Internet and blogosphere buzz."
While "chiconomics" is the drive to chicness in the wake of the economic crisis, "recessionistas" are fashion designers, trend-setters and icons set out to weather the recession.
The words were chosen from those gathered from the worldwide fashion media and nominated by key fashionistas.
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The ranking is based upon GLM's predictive quantities index, a proprietary algorithm that tracks words and phrases in print and electronic media, on the Internet and throughout the blogosphere.
The words and phrases are tracked in relation to their frequency, contextual usage and appearance in global media outlets. GLM said Michele Obama brings a sense of fashion to the White House and popularises the single-shoulder look.
According to it, "metallics" is the popularity of coppers, bronze as well as pewter tones. "Gladiators" is not the name of a film character but is one of the biggest shoe trends of the new century — from chunky platforms to criss-crossed flats.
"Lemongrass" — the colour of Michele Obama's inauguration gown (designed by Isabel Toledo) has also become a buzzword.