Starting in 2006, sales of Crocs increased dramatically, with first-quarterly sales roughly tripling from 2006 to 2007, according to "The New York Times". An article in "The Washington Post" described the phenomenon: "Nor is the fashion world enamored of Crocs. Though their maker touts their 'ultra-hip Italian styling,' lots of folks find them hideous." Tim Gunn, fashion consultant, told "Time" magazine, "... the Croc – it looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously?" A 2008 anti-Crocs essay by Steve Tuttle in "Newsweek" generated much response from readers who both agreed and disagreed with it.