Recession Chic: Quirky Out, Blond In

The economy is in freefall, which makes it a good time to be blond, the Times of London reports. Flip through the latest Vogue, and you’ll see page after page of blond-haired, blue-eyed beauties—a shift from the “quirky” faces sought after in recent years to grab the consumer's attention. Modeling agencies say advertisers are clamoring for conventionally beautiful blonds, which they view as safe and reassuring.

“We have definitely experienced a larger than usual demand for the classic rather than the quirky,” says the founder of one modeling agency. “In a recession clients won’t stick out their necks. They know what sells, and they want to hire models with wide-ranging appeal.” (More model stories.)