Very disappointed in the mile

I'm alive, I swear! Studying for Step 1 + AMA conference = not enough time to breathe, let alone blog. I'm currently stuck at the O'Hare airport waiting for my flight to leave. Leave it to O'Hare to be ... well ... O'Hare. I'm probably too tolerant, though, considering that I am accustomed to Hartsfield-Jackson Int'l in Atlanta.

The conference was nice. However, I was disappointed of my jaunter down the Magnificent Mile. I was looking for a D&G and walked the entire mile only to find out that Chicago does not have one.

As far as the fashion industry goes, the main players on the high luxury level are the LVMH conglomerate, Prada, Versace, and Dolce and Gabbana. LVMH, being a massive holding company with the administrative processes of a massive holding company. Prada and D&G, being independent, appear to have more autonomy on the artistry of their products as well as more general public appeal.

Versace is independent, too, but Donatella Versace is a crackpot whom I do not trust.

Fashion is an interesting industry because product value is created and destroyed at an incredible rate and at the whim of the public. It feels closer to gambling. Versace is still considering an IPO, presumably trading on Euronext. I am very tempted to buy, but I still don't trust Donatella very much.