Designer Apparel: Are You Paying For Just A Name?
Designer Apparel: Are You Paying For Just a Name
?
The designer apparel industry is a global juggernaut that is linked to a number of other industries including media, manufacturing and cosmetics. Events like Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week are only two of many major industry events that help big names sell. Consumers are often only too willing to spend big money to keep up with the latest trend.
This reach into the consumer's purse is hardly surprising, especially since designer labels are able to afford the biggest celebrity names to endorse their products. In light of the current worldwide economic slump however, it is a timely consideration as to whether designer apparel is really worth the price.
How Did Designer Labels Emerge?
The concept of designer apparel has evolved somewhat from the French term haute couture, which means "high sewing". So rigid are the standards for this term that fashion houses must meet certain criteria before they can use it. While few people make the connection between designer apparel and haute couture, it does in fact owe its origins to the French idea.
The difference rests in the fact that designer brands these days create apparel for the high-end market. Haute couture was meant to display the creativity and style of a fashion house. Naturally, this does not generate much revenue, whereas designer apparel is a big money earner for many top designers. Generally, designer clothing will have the company or fashion designer's logo in an easily identifiable place.
Is Designer Apparel Worth the Price?
Many would argue that designer apparel is superior to basic retail brands. This idea is not far off the mark, as the material is of a higher quality. The style and finish also tend to be of a much higher standard. Even before the current economic slump, designer apparel did attract criticism in some circles simply for its price tag.
Naturally those who can afford expensive brands will defend the cost, and likely feel that the clothes set them apart from the rest. There are those however for whom designer apparel is an enormous expense, yet this doesn't stop them from buying only the best. For many, this means living beyond their means, while others may save ardently to buy the dress of their dreams.
Upscale clothing stores that specialize in designer apparel have been demanding cheaper designer options according to some reports. This is not likely to be met with a favorable response by some brands. Given the sense of exclusivity some may feel that this would be a watering down of a quality product. The buyers of designer apparel themselves are likely to feel this way as well.
Finding Affordable Designer Apparel
The sale season affords many people the opportunity to open their wallets and purses. Waiting for a sale is one way that savvy shoppers use to get the style they want without straining their budgets. Others have certain designer labels they know and trust. Some well-known designers price their wares affordably for a variety of consumers.
Certain department stores and boutiques also offer frequent customer discounts or customer rewards. Small perks make buying designer apparel easier for those with less available for spending. You don't have to spend a small fortune to dress like a celebrity.
Shoppers who don't mind wearing used items often find used designer clothing in excellent condition. Buying designer apparel online is also recommended for those persons wishing to save money.
There is no rule when it comes to buying designer apparel. Creating a high quality of life and sense of style offered by top brands is very important to some people. On the other hand, designer apparel is not worth the price if it means incurring heavy debt and enduring the associated problems.
by: Lauren Federman
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