Glamorizing the glamor industry.

• Author: Peters, Charles
• Position: TILTING at windmills - Brief article

I often discuss the faults of the Times, if only because its importance makes them loom larger than the shortcomings of other publications. What upsets me now--and this is a reflection of my concern about all the influences in American life that push us to accumulate wealth--is the tendency of the Times' fashion sections to make designer clothes and accessories seem essential. Featured recently in a typical spread in T: The New York Times Style Magazine were a Dolce & Gabbana coat for $3,145 and dress for $1,345, Giuseppe Zanotti Design shoes for $1,197, and, on the facing page, a Chanel dress for $10,365. Looking at these alluring photographs, works of art in themselves, of beautiful models clad in the latest designer apparel inevitably makes the reader want to have those clothes, meaning that they or their spouse has to make enough...