The Williamson-Cline model imposes a symmetrical 3% rule: that no country's surplus or deficit should exceed 3% of its GDP.

By offering on-trend items at dirt-cheap prices, Cline argues, these brands have hijacked fashion cycles, shaking an industry long accustomed to a seasonal pace.

But as Cline is the first to note, it took Beaumont decades to perfect her craft; her example can't be knocked off.