Meltdown the Economy

Underscoring the vulnerability of small fashion businesses in the economic downturn, two labels founded by Danish designers have been shuttered. London-based Danish designer Jens Laugesen, known for his minimalist and androgynous designs, has closed his signature label after six years. That closure follows last month’s news that Danish luxury brand Camilla Staerk was shut by its owner, Danish fashion giant Bestseller, which, via a company called MTHP A/S, had financed Staerk since 2003.