Last year (2011) the market followed the seasonal pattern in classic fashion.

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While Arnault has publicly denied that he intends to take control of the company, various individuals affiliated with Hermes fear he will continue his pattern of acquiring family-owned fashion businesses to expand the LVMH umbrella.

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It also attracts young fashion enthusiasts who might buy one and cherish it, eventually repeating that pattern up the designer price ladder as she earns and spends more.

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And among the fashion tips from those who know: watch out for a lot more Argyle-pattern tights.

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Designer Jeanne Lanvin, founder of one of Paris' great fashion houses, is seated at her desk, surrounded by the brightly colored spines of fabric and pattern books, a drawing pencil, and a telephone.

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