April 27, 2008
I Love This Country!
People don't understand how wealthy we are. You hear these Paul Krugman wannabes on TV, cherry-picking dates to point to anemic growth in real median income. You can point out the flaws in their statistics, or better yet, direct them to read Alan Reynolds.
But I'd suggest you show them this article. It seems that people are getting Lasik surgery to correct their vision, and then going out to buy designer eyeglasses with no prescription as a fashion accessory.
The LensCrafters chain, once known for dowdy ads touting discounts and quick service, now uses supermodels like Heidi Klum to hawk its wares in fashion magazines like Vogue. It has redecorated stores with chandeliers, flowers and leather benches to make shopping for glasses seem less medical. Another addition: full-length mirrors to let customers check out their complete look.Ads in magazines ranging from GQ to New York are no longer limited to designer sunglasses. Prada and Gucci are among the brands featuring models posed wearing retro-looking rectangular frames (think Buddy Holly). High-end eyewear brand Oliver Peoples now releases four collections a year, up from two two years ago, hoping customers will want to change frames as often as they, perhaps, switch handbags.
Virginia Postrel, call your office.
This is the greatest economic story ever. Having the choice to do this, whether you do or not is a sign of our affluence, right up there with good Thai food, free cell phone weekends, and $500 laptops. What a country.