Burberry optimistic in difficult times

MILAN (Reuters) - British fashion label designer Burberry is optimistic despite difficult conditions, its designer Christopher Bailey told Reuters on Monday.

"We're trying to ride the wave of a difficult economic climate but we're optimistic," Bailey told Reuters after his womenswear show here.

"It's a very particular moment and I don't think anyone's doing exceptionally," he added.

Global market turmoil has prompted questions over how luxury labels like Burberry and other designers are coping with a possible downturn in consumer demand.

Shows here this week include labels of Giorgio Armani and Italian design due Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

Burberry's show used subdued colors for outfits inspired by clothes worn for gardening, with the focus on work-weight cottons, pull-on hats in earth colors and long, comfy cardigans in knits and silks.

(Reporting by Jo Winterbottom; editing by Carol Bishopric)