Interview

It's a distinctly American season, and over the weekend we learned some real American lessons.

In Los Angeles, the American spirit will triumph, with three domestic designers setting up shop on Rodeo Drive. Tom Ford, Judith Leiber, and Paul & Shark look to break up an Italian monopoly (Domenico Vacca, Missoni, Max Mara) that has recently seduced holiday shop-goers.

The American elite is alive and kicking. While anyone who could stand to read was mercilessly pounded with recession news,  retailers cut prices and high-quality clothing became universally available at almost-reasonable prices. Meanwhile, tricky trend setters decided that cutting back was cutting edge. And Caroline Kennedy looms, still more or less with silent intent.

Be honest. If not with yourself, at least with the Hallmark Channel. Berkley Books canceled publication of Herman Rosenberg's Angel at the Fence, after disappointing allegations that his future wife Roma could not possibly have thrown apples over that fence.

As in retail, as in sports. There are losers.