Jason Binn and Sarah Schaffer at a Niche Media party in December, Gilt Groupe cofounder Alexandra Wilkis Wilson with event cohosts Wendy Rosen and Nina Tinari.

Style of the Times

French couturier Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel once said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion… has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” The late style icon uttered those words many decades ago, but her sentiment holds true today.

In the here and now, what we choose to wear or simply how we look—our clothes, hairstyles, makeup, even our bodies—has so much to do with our mood, our money (or lack thereof) and the state of the world around us.

The looks and trends we’ve showcased in this, our annual fashion and beauty issue, refl ect what designers and stylists were feeling as they worked on spring 2010 collections during last year’s protracted economic crisis. The clothes they produced speak to us as telling symbols of the times. Check out the strong but stark black and white ensembles splashed across the pages of our fashion feature. And turn to our Currents section to glimpse back-to-basics chain necklaces designed by the likes of Paul Morelli as well as hopefully colorful rain gear by high-style fashion houses including Louis Vuitton.

We at Style are confident that 2010 has brought with it an upswing in economics and attitude. Stay with us throughout the year to see what clothes will be saying about us as we unite and move toward a collective recovery.

Until next time,

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL MORIGI (BINN)