For serious shoppers, November is all about nabbing the latest goodies from the cruise collections. These mid-season ranges were traditionally aimed at wealthy American customers who wanted summery clothes to wear on their winter vacations, but now cruise has become one of the most important events on the fashion calendar. There is even a cruise fashion week, held in New York in June. It isn’t accompanied by the fanfare of the ready-to-wear shows, but in terms of business, the clothes and accessories shown are the ones that will sell and sell.

Alongside the big brands such as Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, which launched its hit Downtown bag as part of last year’s cruise collection, smaller, niche names are also at it. Roland Mouret made his fashion comeback with cruise; Giles Deacon produces a capsule range of cruise party dresses; and it is the cornerstone of Antonio Berardi’s success. “It accounts for 50% of my business,” he says.

For customers, it’s a shopping bonanza. Cruise tends to be more wearable than ready-to-wear, and it is usually cheaper. This is where you should look for a fantastic coat, a great tailored jacket or the ultimate timeless little black dress. It is also ideal for women who can’t wait to wear next season’s trends. Burberry’s cruise collection is full of sexy ruched dresses similar to those featured in the spring/summer 2008 show. The catwalk versions won’t be in store until February, but cruise will be there next week.

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