Totally agree. The thing is, there are so many designers brands now that the overwhelm of shopping becomes a bit stressful even. There is too much choice and when you love clothing and the fantasy that it provides, of either looking a certain way or feeling a certain way, it's hard not to be distracted. And I guess that's the marketing point to make us want more even when we don't need. Its like there are two directions: one we become more conscious of our choices (hoping I reached this point) the other is what is being thrown at us from every angle that we need this to be in the "stylish club." I was thinking yesterday after reading your newsletter that I wish there would be an online retailer (not that we need another one, maybe a rebrand), but one that specialized in timeless pieces that women want. Maybe a choice few designers and a few pieces from those collections that are times-less in sense of style, construction and quality. Simple pieces that our children can enjoy as vintage pieces after us. A well curated place where you go to find that one piece you want to invest in every season that helps you build a concrete base that doesn't make you question or say I have nothing to wear.
It seems every creative industry is suffering under the desire to make things less creative, or quickly consumed, superficial, whatever. I saw a reel recently about how showrunners for TV and film are now telling writers that their complicated scripts aren't "isn't second screen enough." Meaning, audiences are now watching movies and TV while also scrolling and reading email. Thus, the plotlines must be simple, not too deep, easily understood while someone is doing something else. That's just sad. No one wants to invest in substance and quality anymore.
"...a system that values handbag and beauty sales over creativity and craft."
This is all too accurate and depressing. And at the risk of sounding like someone who says "I liked this band's earlier, less commercial albums" I really liked Hermès more before they had the beauty line and before every influencer wanted a brightly coloured mini Kelly. (I am still disappointed that they discontinued the Bleus d'Ailleurs and platinum Balcons de Guadalquivir china patterns.) I thought being majority family owned would protect them from this race.
Such an important conversation to continue having. From a designer’s POV my clients are searching for uniqueness, high quality, ethically made and ecologically sustainable pieces (can you name one conglomerate brand which can deliver all 4?) - consumers need to do work and investigate brands which align with their own aesthetics and values. There are so many wonderful independent small brands working like this today, just a little upfront leg work on the consumer’s end is worthwhile. Over time I’ve found a likeminded group of clients who support the way I choose to work and I feel so fortunate, though its has not been easy, it is very possible to exist outside of the treadmill fashion system and keep your soul :) Love reading your writing!
Totally agree. The thing is, there are so many designers brands now that the overwhelm of shopping becomes a bit stressful even. There is too much choice and when you love clothing and the fantasy that it provides, of either looking a certain way or feeling a certain way, it's hard not to be distracted. And I guess that's the marketing point to make us want more even when we don't need. Its like there are two directions: one we become more conscious of our choices (hoping I reached this point) the other is what is being thrown at us from every angle that we need this to be in the "stylish club." I was thinking yesterday after reading your newsletter that I wish there would be an online retailer (not that we need another one, maybe a rebrand), but one that specialized in timeless pieces that women want. Maybe a choice few designers and a few pieces from those collections that are times-less in sense of style, construction and quality. Simple pieces that our children can enjoy as vintage pieces after us. A well curated place where you go to find that one piece you want to invest in every season that helps you build a concrete base that doesn't make you question or say I have nothing to wear.
It seems every creative industry is suffering under the desire to make things less creative, or quickly consumed, superficial, whatever. I saw a reel recently about how showrunners for TV and film are now telling writers that their complicated scripts aren't "isn't second screen enough." Meaning, audiences are now watching movies and TV while also scrolling and reading email. Thus, the plotlines must be simple, not too deep, easily understood while someone is doing something else. That's just sad. No one wants to invest in substance and quality anymore.
"...a system that values handbag and beauty sales over creativity and craft."
This is all too accurate and depressing. And at the risk of sounding like someone who says "I liked this band's earlier, less commercial albums" I really liked Hermès more before they had the beauty line and before every influencer wanted a brightly coloured mini Kelly. (I am still disappointed that they discontinued the Bleus d'Ailleurs and platinum Balcons de Guadalquivir china patterns.) I thought being majority family owned would protect them from this race.
Such an important conversation to continue having. From a designer’s POV my clients are searching for uniqueness, high quality, ethically made and ecologically sustainable pieces (can you name one conglomerate brand which can deliver all 4?) - consumers need to do work and investigate brands which align with their own aesthetics and values. There are so many wonderful independent small brands working like this today, just a little upfront leg work on the consumer’s end is worthwhile. Over time I’ve found a likeminded group of clients who support the way I choose to work and I feel so fortunate, though its has not been easy, it is very possible to exist outside of the treadmill fashion system and keep your soul :) Love reading your writing!
Bravo‼️