IF THERE?S a winner in this dastardly thing called recession, it?s the fashion consumers.

Since they?re not buying ? or at best, are buying less ? designers and retailers are coming up with special or better merchandise to pique customers? interests in the hopes that they would loosen their purse strings a little.

Fashion designer Randy Ortiz, creative director of Myth boutique in Greenbelt 5, Makati, admitted sales were still erratic, a trend that began as early as the last quarter of 2008. His team has had to think of creative ways to entice customers.

In the summer, Myth introduced the collections of Louis Claparols and Joel Escober to boost its offerings that now include Ivarluski Aseron, Joey Samson, Dennis Lustico and Ortiz. Recently, it also added the clothes and hats of Mich Dulce and the debut collection of Vanessa Ang, this year?s winner in the Mega Young Designers Competition. It will also soon carry the accessories of Chris Diaz.

Red Label

For August, Ortiz?s birth month, he launches his limited Red Label collection, featuring what he called ?forever classics? that should become closet mainstays for a long time. Just what a savvy consumer needs in these trying times.

Ortiz designed 12 looks for women, predominantly in black, as ?you can never have enough black,? with couture details that he typically employed only in his bespoke designs ? say, a halter dress with a mass of rosettes on the bodice, a key element in his ?Face Off? collection.

Each dress will come only in threes ? small, medium and large.

The designer who made a name in menswear also has a corresponding Red Label collection for men, akin to his best-selling suits and shirts often seen on the runways. He used black and white fabrics in textured wools, piqués and houndstooth patterns.

Along with his clothes, Ortiz collaborated with Daniel Esteva for a line of all leather ? some real snakeskin, others horsehair ? duffel bags, totes, belts, clutches, all proudly made in Marikina.

The Red Label line will be available only until September.

At a recent Ayala Mall event, Ortiz wondered aloud why there have been very few weddings this year. Who knew if it was a ?Chinese thing? or if there was a connection with the financial slump? But he observed there have been less weddings in 2009. Only a handful has been approaching him for bridal wear.

But things are beginning to pick up, it seems. As early as now, he?s already getting bridal orders for next year. ?There?s so much to do,? he said, making face in mock exasperation. You could tell he?s not complaining.