If it seems strange to be rummaging though racks of sweaters in July and a sea of bikinis in January trying to find suitable clothes for the current season, you're not alone.

In fact, some of fashion's heaviest hitters are fighting to stop the super early deliveries of fashion-forward (literally!) clothing and the extra seasons (resort?) that cause serious consumer confusion.

The Council of Fashion Designers of American (CFDA) held a meeting in New York City for designers, retailers and the media intending to discuss fashion shows and whether they should be aimed at the industry or the customer. But that agenda quickly shifted to a no-holds-barred airing of concerns and complaints, according WWD.

Why should the average person care? Because the recurring theme was how to make shopping a successful and seamless experience for all parties involved: designers, retailers, and most importantly, you!

Designers including Donna Karan, Betsey Johnson, Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler and Elie Tahari shared their complaints and possible solutions.

Topics ranged from the global recession, "markdown madness," the timing of deliveries and too many seasons to the disconnect between runway and retail merchandise and overflooded stores.

The message that resonated: things must change, and fast.

CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg tried to remain positive when she addressed the crowd, "I always like to look for the light at the end of the tunnel, and see how we can grow from there...Everyone had been too greedy, and everyone thought the party was forever," reports WWD.

Karan was more upfront, bluntly stating, "We are in a crisis...We design for the consumer, and right now, I believe the consumer is completely confused," because they don't know which season they are looking at -- pre-fall, fall or some other season, according to WWD.

To fix that problem, Elie Tahari said that he changed his delivery timing so the clothes on racks are from the current season and his sell-throughs have double and even tripled.

Proenza Schouler's Lazaro Hernandez commented on the speed of the Internet and how runway collections can seem dated by the time they hit stores.





But Roopal Patel, women's fashion accessory senior market editor at Neiman Marcus, added that, "Right now,...every image that is on the Internet, every editorial credit helps to make a sale...The consumer these days is much savvier than she has ever been. Some are looking for a bargain and some are looking for the dream, and that's what everyone's runway show really provides right now...to help support that dream," reports WWD.

Anna Wintour was in a group-minded mood and suggested that the fashion industry form a committee that would set standards for when stores can discount their stock. When one member questioned whether that kind of rule would be legal, Anna answered, "Well, is that something we can change? We have friends in the White House now."