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LouieMost Overpriced Fashion Designers
November 10th 2006 00:34
Browsing through eBay, I've come across numerous auctions for "bargain" designer pieces at prices upwards of $500. The reality is, when compared to recommended retail prices, these auctions are speaking the truth. These days, fashion designers sell their goods at ridiculously expensive prices, when you take into consideration what you're actually paying for. Though most people are aware of the obscene price mark-ups, there are still those who will continue to shell out the dosh, and consequently prices stay sky-high. In my opinion, the worst offenders are Prada for womenswear, and Giorgio Armani Black Label for menswear.
I can't appreciate why people are so attracted to Prada. Many of the products feature very plain designs, are made from low-grade materials like nylon, and logically shouldn't cost more than $50. Yet, in actuality, they come with extremely dear price tags - for example, these boots retail for US$650 and the wallet for $365. Bluefly is very proud to offer them at 20% off for $520 and $292 respectively, but that's still way too costly for me. I realise that there's a lot of status associated with wearing Prada, but I'm not willing to pay an unreasonable price just for the label. I mean, for crying out loud, how can they justify asking for $300 for a synthetic nylon wallet? If you took the Prada label off, that same wallet design made in a strong, supple leather would sell for a tiny proportion of the price.
$1,795 for the suit and $895 for the sweater - have they gone bonkers?! Armani Black Label has been churning out the same suits and sweaters for 20 years, yet the price keeps getting excessively higher. Admittedly, Armani is largely responsible for the modern suit, and I give him a massive pat on the back for that, but with his Black Label remaining relatively stagnant since the 80's, what can account for the dramatic evolution in prices? It's ludicrous!
* These images are taken from Bluefly and Butch Blum.
Prada black nylon sport boots (Bluefly)
Prada black nylon 'Tessuto' continental wallet (Bluefly)
I can't appreciate why people are so attracted to Prada. Many of the products feature very plain designs, are made from low-grade materials like nylon, and logically shouldn't cost more than $50. Yet, in actuality, they come with extremely dear price tags - for example, these boots retail for US$650 and the wallet for $365. Bluefly is very proud to offer them at 20% off for $520 and $292 respectively, but that's still way too costly for me. I realise that there's a lot of status associated with wearing Prada, but I'm not willing to pay an unreasonable price just for the label. I mean, for crying out loud, how can they justify asking for $300 for a synthetic nylon wallet? If you took the Prada label off, that same wallet design made in a strong, supple leather would sell for a tiny proportion of the price.
Giorgio Armani Black Label Linen and Silk Suit (Butch Blum)
Giorgio Armani Black Label Spring V-Neck Sweater (Butch Blum)
* These images are taken from Bluefly and Butch Blum.
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Comment by natasha
although i agree with you, as far as brands go prada is quite shite.
LV has also majorly lost its appeal due to the fact that everyone now has a fake one, and the fake ones are starting to look veeery similar to the real ones so whats the point in buying a real one when people are just gonna ask if its real or not. gucci also, though not so much. chloe is getting there.. u can get a lovely looking fake chloe for about 50 bucks though they arent as yet quite as real looking as the fake LVs.
Comment by Sisi
natasha my favourite overpriced label is Scanlan & Theodore, without a doubt!
Comment by lncognito
I had no idea about the different lines [and the varying levels of prestige attached to them] until my friend, who has connections with manufacturers/distributors in Milan gave me a crash course in Armani101.
A|X Armani Exchange
Armani Jeans
Emporio Armani
Mani
Armani Collezioni
Giorgio Armani (Black Label)
Armani Prive (Armani's haute couture line)
Each clothing line is targeted towards a niche market. It's basically market segmentation based on your wallet size, lol.
I can't really say much about Prada, but the GA (Black Label) line emanates quality.
I was told a license is required to distribute GA clothing.
The Black Label products are only found in Giorgio Armani Boutiques, and are NEVER on sale.
You have to understand that Giorgio Armani (Black Label) is targeted towards a really high end select group of people such as stars, executives, spoilt brats, and mobsters...and is thus priced accordingly.
PS: Has it ever occurred to you that maybe your mum deliberately sabotaged your sewing machine?
PPS: You should post photos of some of your creations! Or at least post some guidelines on how to make your own clothes.
Comment by Sisi
I'll put that post suggestion in the reader requests so that I remember to post about it after exams.
Don't get me wrong...I love Armani Black Label...but that doesn't mean I think the prices are justified. Yes, it's targeted at high end consumers, but just because a product's marketing is aimed at rich people doesn't mean it's not overpriced...
My sewing machine is older than me...it was just its time...even if my mum did sabotage it, it probably wouldn't have lasted much longer anyway.
I used to make heaps of stuff just so it could hang in my wardrobe...one day I'll grow the balls to wear them
Not the lingerie though, I made that too small...
Comment by lncognito
I think you might be mistaken...because the person you are speaking of has a cell pathology exam on Wednesday and should not be online procrastinating.
BTW, it would probably be better to use your forums for reader requests.
I strongly agree with you that the Black Label line is extremely 'expensive'. But being excessively expensive does not necessarily mean it is 'overpriced'.
Expensive = High in price
Overpriced = Too costly for the value
I guess it all comes down to semantics, economics and philosophy.
The value a person attaches to an object/thing/idea/design/service/anything is subjectively determined and is based on values, beliefs, tastes, and preferences.
What may be overpriced to you and I may not be overpriced to someone with bottomless pockets.
Strictly speaking, even if a person is completely poor, if they are willing to pay for it, then by definition, it is not overpriced.
The price buyers are willing to pay for a given product is based on the satisfaction it provides. A good that provides more satisfaction (ceteris paribus) entices buyers to pay a higher price. Different people are satisfied by different things.
In terms of raw materials, then yes it is definitely selling for more than what it costs to make it... But how can you put a price on something intangible, such as the ideas, or the time spent designing it.
Time is too short to go into the economics of demand and supply. But for those who are interested, you can read more HERE.
Let's just both agree that it is expensive
PS: Let's see some photos of the formal dress you made!
PPS: Could you believe I wasted more time by checking THIS out... thanks a lot Sisi.
Comment by Sisi
Note that in my post I said "In my opinion...". I don't think Armani Black Label is overpriced just because it's expensive. I wholeheartedly agree that its pieces are of a high quality, but they've always been of a high quality. The quality has not dramatically increased over the years, yet funnily enough, the price has. I also fully accept that there will be those who read this post and think to themselves that Armani Black Label is extremely good value for money, but to me, it's overpriced. To you, it's expensive
I don't remember telling you I made a formal dress - far out, you remember everything and it's really starting to annoy me because I can't talk crap or you'll use it against me in an argument haha
Comment by lncognito
In my opinion...you're not really worried that I'll use something you said against you in an argument. I believe you are more worried that I would find inconsistencies in your story and catch you in a lie. lol.
Sisi, I forgive you...
...have I made you paranoid yet? hahaha.
You probably don't remember, but I asked you once if it bothered you...I guess this means your response just changed from "not really" to "yes".
You can't really blame me for listening though.
As I guy, I guess I should just accept catch-22s as a part of life...it's a no-win situation for us regardless of whether or not we listen.
I suppose things are going to change now
You'll still talk to me right?
You can still open up to me...I promise I won't listen anymore. hahaha.
PS: Indexing for inflation could explain the price rise. I haven't been comparing the prices over time, so I can't really say much about the price trend.
Comment by Sisi
Consequently I'm not paranoid either...you won't find any inconsistencies here...exaggerations, maybe...
Dude of course I'll still talk to you! As if I'd let that stop me...I mean, come on, look at AJ...he's way creepier and he's my best mate hahaha
Inflation's not enough to account for the price rises
Comment by lncognito
I was only pulling your leg earlier, I guess it's hard to portray sarcasm in writing.
Contrary to Dr. House's beliefs, I know you don't lie. Honesty and your genuine concern for others is definitely one of your many alluring qualities.
Gee, thanks for implying that I'm creepy...at least I know what you think of me now. But hey, you're honest...but ouch! does the truth hurt or what?
Comment by Sisi