"Women thrive on novelty and are easy meat for the commerce of fashion. Men prefer old pipes and torn jackets"

This quote from Anthony Burgess presumes a view on gender differences in relation to customer behavior and lifestyle choices. In it, Burgess recommends that ladies have a disposition towards novelty, that makes them vulnerable to the ever-changing demands and offerings of the fashion business. The phrase "simple meat for the commerce of style" implies that women are easily influenced by the newest patterns and marketing strategies, making them key customers in a market driven by continuous change and newness.

On the other hand, Burgess contrasts females's habits with that of males, who he claims have a preference for familiarity and the convenience of old possessions. The statement that "guys choose old pipes and torn jackets" reflects a stereotypical view of guys as valuing utility and comfort over style and change. This part of the quote suggests that males might be less likely to be swayed by patterns and most likely to keep items that have emotional or practical worth, even when they become broken.

Burgess's commentary is reflective of conventional gender stereotypes: ladies as fashion-focused and guys as practical. It speaks to broader societal expectations about gender functions and consumer practices. The quote highlights the commercial world's tendency to make use of these differences, perpetuating a cycle where ladies are targeted for fashion products due to their supposed desire for newness.

Nevertheless, it's important to recognize the constraints of this viewpoint. In truth, both men and women can appreciate novelty and custom in style and lifestyle options. The characteristics of fashion and consumerism are complicated and can be driven by a multitude of factors, including private personality, societal influences, and cultural patterns, going beyond binary gender distinctions. Eventually, the quote catches a specific perspective that might not show the variety of real-life experiences and preferences across genders.