LUXURY FEVER.

Discusses the trend for consumers to buy designer goods and luxury clothing. Increase in U.S. sales of high-end goods by 27.7 percent in the first five months of the year according to a study by the Italian association Altagamma; Popularity of fur and cashmere clothing in department stores; Impact of a lack of consumer confidence due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 on the clothing trade; Introduction of luxury models among mobile-phone makers and television makers; Consideration of how members of the baby-boom generation are buying time-shares in expensive resorts, building media rooms in their homes, and investing in elaborate renovations; Growth in luxury brands because of an increase in the premium standard of life among the middle-class. INSETS: BRING ON THE BLING;HOT LIST.