RISMEDIA, March 1, 2010—If the old adage holds true that says hemlines go up when the economy improves, then things are cautiously looking up for spring. At least that’s the fashion-omic forecast from a quirky yet historically accurate tool, the “hemline indicator.” The time-tested theory relies not on computer models or financial projections but on skirt lengths as a barometer for the state of the economy. And the recently released results of a survey commissioned by Taubman Centers suggests that skirt lengths will hover just below and above the knee this spring, accompanied by a cautious dose of optimism.
In an Internet survey conducted by Market Strategies International, people across the country were asked the question: They say that hemlines go up when the economy improves; if that’s true, where do you think skirt lengths will be this spring? Eighty-two percent answered “just below the knee” meaning “cautious optimism” or “above the knee” which translates to “light at the end of the tunnel.” Only 14% chose “ankle duster,” indicating economic uncertainty. Four percent chose “cheesecake,” foreseeing good news ahead.
Results from the survey include:
-Ankle duster (Uncertain times ahead): 14%
-Just below the knee (Cautious optimism): 44%
-Above the knee (Light at the end of the tunnel): 38%
-Cheesecake (Good news ahead): 4%
The Internet survey was fielded January 21 through February 12, 2010. This “hemline survey” is the third that Taubman has conducted. In the first study conducted in 2003, the majority surveyed (30%) predicted skirts would rise above the knee or “light at the end of the tunnel.” By 2004, 51% of those surveyed predicted skirts would rise above the knee– a more optimistic outlook than this year’s “just below the knee” or “cautious optimism” (44%) result.
For more information, visit www.taubman.com.
