Regarding the low rise, well, not everyone wears them properly. Very true. It is a horrid sight when you see the "blubber" but low rise jeans are a fabulous design. The placement of the pocket directly on the butt is very 70's/early 80's. Once again, that was on high waisted pants. It really depends on what you are into. I for one think the pockets on the lower part of the derriere are extremely flattering even if some are lacking a little in shape of the "bum". If you have to go high, then the pant should just barely hit the bottom of the belly button. It works on various proportions if you have a higher placed waist or lower. As for the big fashion houses, oh well, their loss.