Corbin Chamberlin

As on other beats, sources and reporters engage in the ritual dance of journalism, but in fashion the dance is done to the lulling accompaniment of candlelight, peonies, Champagne, and invitations with your name inscribed in calligraphy.

For every classic Chanel handbag or fanciful riff on the little black dress inciting lust in the hearts of style-savvy women, there have been equally mortifying examples of pandering and buffoonery: a tweed jacket transformed into a circus costume, menswear that would make a drag queen flinch, handbags that reek of self-conscious status climbing.