Amid all the forecasts about how the financial crisis will affect the fashion industry, at least we can count on Vivienne Westwood for a little optimism. From Westwood’s intro to her show this week in Paris, according to the Telegraph:

“DIY! Don’t buy my clothes. Well, if you are rich or can afford a stylist, you can get me. But if not, do it yourself. My idea is that you can mix charity, vintage, Portobello Road, pieces of Ikat fabric; wrap it all around yourself, use a handkerchief as knickers, mix safety pins and jewelery. But above all do something! Be optimistic!”

Isn’t that nice. Except for these grumpy remarks in other reviews of the Westwood show:

• The Queen of Punk is shooting herself in the foot sales-wise by being so pro-DIY
• Our homemade versions will never be as fabulous as hers

Unimpressive criticisms, but at least they sort of cancel each other out. It looks like not even Vivienne can cheer up some fashion reporters this week.

Back to the bright side, though, this excerpt from her program notes just made our day:

“In these hard times — dress up. There is status in wearing your favorites over and over until they grow old (patina) or fall apart.”