Ben Bernanke says the country could soon be in recession, but Manhattan’s social set is doing fine. “I live in a pretty simple way,” says Ivanka Trump, explaining she won’t be tightening her belt. “I’m not the type of person who would buy a Ferrari or a very large hat.” Grad student–cum–socialite Claire Bernard worries charities might be unfairly hurt. “I know that benefits aren’t selling as many tickets,” she says, “but a lot of the people that go, their situations won’t really be affected.” But if she had to give something up? “Probably my dog walker. I can walk my own damn dog.” Arden Wohl simply isn’t concerned. “I think it’s a lie,” she says. “You believe what you want to believe. The lives go on!”

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• Archive: “Intelligencer”
• Table of Contents: Apr 14, 2008 issue of New York | Subscribe!