Kiddy Couture: money down the drain

With all the unsettling news about the likelihood of a recession, you'll be relieved to know that the designer clothing market for the "stroller and grade school sets" is booming. Time Magazine recently devoted a feature story ("Downsizing Style. Why Kids are the latest consumers of pricey designer clothing and accessories") to haut couture for six-year olds.

The Time story carries a picture of "Little Miss Runway," dressed in designer everything, carrying shopping bags from Dolce & Gabbana and Juicy Couture. She looks outstanding - but this, after all, is an article about $300 Little Marc cashmere sweaters and $225 linen and cotton belted Safari dresses. The conclusion drawn is that kids are "getting more and more involved in choosing...what they wear" and that, "parents are expressing their own status by outfitting their kids who are more clothes conscious than ever."

Be forewarned that as a children's therapist, I am opposed on every conceivable ground. Financial. Child Psychology. Morals. Let's take these one at a time.