https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:13:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands/page/2#post-2100905 Fri, 21 Feb 2020 16:25:16 +0000 Jenn 2100905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw this article about the future role of luxury fashion today and thought it was pertinent:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/346523">https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/346523</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands/page/2#post-2098130 Mon, 10 Feb 2020 00:14:30 +0000 Irina 2098130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Parfums, cosmetics and accessories are the categories of an “affordable luxury”. Not a lot of people can afford or willing to spend on a Chanel bag but a lipstick by a high end designer brand gives a feeling of belonging All major brands go into it to increase revenue.&nbsp;<div>To keep up with fast fashion even designer houses look to cut their costs, hence simplified construction of pieces, cheaper finishes. Best quality is in vintage clothes.&nbsp;</div><div>I have only a few pieces by high end brands - bras by Stella McCartney (looks the same as a lot brands, lasts longer) and MaxMara silk wool pants (wonderful fabric, basic everything else). I don’t think my clothes last or fits that long to justify the costs. Shoes or a bag, maybe - I might find courage&nbsp;one day&nbsp;to purchase :)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands/page/2#post-2098117 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 21:53:31 +0000 em 2098117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie, </b>y<b></b>es, I believe handbags and perfume, certainly. I wish I could remember where I read the quote. Certainly when one thinks of DKNY or Calvin Klein...I guess that is where the underwear comes in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands/page/2#post-2098104 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 20:01:44 +0000 Angie 2098104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>em,</b> I thought it was handbags, perfume and footwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands/page/2#post-2098087 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 18:26:35 +0000 rachylou 2098087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What? Perfume?! No, I did not know that! Yuck. Man, I cut down on flying, the ballet, the movies, etc., to a point where it’s practically zero now... and it all started because Perfume. I don’t know what to say...</p> <p>Also: em! Yes. Omg. It’s so hard to find dress trousers in all-season wool! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands/page/2#post-2098086 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 18:15:36 +0000 em 2098086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, did you know that the bulk of revenue of luxury houses comes from...perfume and underwear?</p> <p>They are struggling because their prices have, just as you noted, tripled in the last 20 years. I believe the bulk of their market is in Asia (as a general, sweeping statement.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands/page/2#post-2098081 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 17:43:45 +0000 rachylou 2098081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well that’s interesting about Coach. Because I got that little floral jacket from their 1949 (?) collection from 3 years ago at Ross. It’s actually rather like an H&amp;M little silky jacket I have from perhaps 6 years ago. The Coach’s original price was $895. Now, the design and fabric patterns are there. It’s pieced, piped, lined and weighty. The H&amp;M has none of that. The zipper however is pretty crap. The H&amp;M has a better zipper. I think a zipper is pretty important, and if H&amp;M can do it, so could Coach. I’m pretty sure the price of a good zipper cannot have skyrocketed out of the reach of Coach in three years.</p> <p>Also: So I say I’m a Gucci girl, but my pieces are very very very old. The quality is beautiful. I breezed by the site and looked at the bags. Now I do like their crazy hectic current look, but... Prices have tripled in the last 20 years. I see the bags still have details like bag feet. I also see that the bag feet are so small, it looks like the bags touch the ground anyways.</p> <p>What’s interesting to me is that all these fashion houses struggle. I want to know what ‘struggle’ means to them. Is it that, like for so many, that they can’t satisfy the greed at the top? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2098062 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 16:39:37 +0000 April 2098062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not off topic at all, J'Aileen.&nbsp; On point.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>When I was in college, I lived near an amazing thrift store where I bought all my clothes.&nbsp; (Fun fact for music lovers: that store was made semi-famous in Philadelphia band Dr. Dog's song "Shadow People.")&nbsp; This was in the 80s, before thrifting was discovered by dealers.</p> <p>I once got a white tuxedo jacket from Yves St. Laurent Paris there.&nbsp; The quality was stunning; that was 35 years ago and I still remember the thrill of wearing such a fine piece.&nbsp; I'd be wearing it yet if it hadn't had extreme 80s shoulders.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>And in case you're wondering, if I paid $20 for the jacket, that would be way more than I ever spent on anything else from that store.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2098047 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:31:38 +0000 JAileen 2098047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This might be slightly off topic, sorry. &nbsp;I’ve mentioned vintage Coach a lot here. &nbsp;What I liked were the simple designs and and beautiful squishy quality leather. &nbsp;I bought my first bag in 1983. &nbsp;Later they started making “signature” bags, with Coach woven on fabric. &nbsp;Now, the same time that&nbsp;the prices have gone up, the quality has gone down. &nbsp;Instead of top grain leather, they are using some other, thinner version of “leather”, and instead of the colors tanned into the leather, the color is painted on. &nbsp;In other words, the quality has gone to hell. &nbsp; It makes me want to cry.</p> <p>Here’s an interesting essay about Coach’s downward spiral:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://secure40.securewebsession.com/archetype.site.aplus.net/52125/5201925/TheCoachScreed.htm">https://secure40.securewebsess.....Screed.htm</a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2098018 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 04:25:14 +0000 Jenni NZ 2098018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess the “marketing and psychosocial factors of being seen with the brand” are what I don’t like. I guess there *can be* ( and I am by no means suggesting Fabbers with branded items are necessarily doing this) a level of pretentiousness that makes me uncomfortable, with brands. Armani on a T-shirt seems in that category to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2098002 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 02:52:02 +0000 Jaime 2098002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really interesting question. I have a lot of high end designer clothing and accessories. All of it second hand, some vintage, some relatively recent. And, apart from fabric and higher quality finishing, I do find that designer pieces are often simply better designed. As in they fit better, drape better, look more intelligent and thoughtful. Does a designer name guarantee this? No, definitely not. But if I see certain names I will always take a second look because that special quality is more likely to be there.&nbsp;<br />Of course, that does not mean the actual retail price does not also reflect the marketing and psycho-social factors of being seen with the brand.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097999 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 02:24:59 +0000 cindysmith 2097999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My Celine bag is amazing. I got it, NWT, at a goodwill, for $40 but I understand some of the justification for the price tag. I'm so hard on my bags and this bag is totally handling my abuse. I've had Armani that was amazingly constructed from amazing fabrics, and I've had Armani that was just awful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097988 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 00:58:28 +0000 em 2097988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer luxury over designer, because I feel designer is just a name. Unfortunately, luxury really does cost more. But I do not mean T-shirts with the word "ARMANI" on it--I mean the real Armani with the gorgeous fabrics and impeccable drape. Same with MaxMara, Agnona, and Loro Piana.</p> <p>Do you know how HARD it is to find a pair of 100% wool--FINE wool--dress trousers? With knife-sharp pleats? Yeah. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097985 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 00:17:08 +0000 Style Fan 2097985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love really well made well-designed clothing.&nbsp; I am not a fan of the designers that behave badly for reasons similar to Angie.&nbsp; I do like Stella McCartney and hope to one day one a piece by her.<br />I think it depends on the piece for all the reasons mentioned here.&nbsp; My Burberry trench is over 10 years old and looks like new.&nbsp; I wear it a lot.&nbsp; It is beautifully made.&nbsp; I feel like a Secret Agent when I wear it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I have some Sarah Pacini pieces that are pricey but not as pricey as big designers.&nbsp; Those pieces have held up beautifully.&nbsp; The sweaters hang just so and the wool feels amazing.&nbsp; I wish she would do more warm colours.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I am not a car person but I have driven in all kinds of cars.&nbsp; Yes, there can be a difference and no, I don't care.&nbsp; But the clothes I care about. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097960 Sat, 08 Feb 2020 19:47:56 +0000 rachylou 2097960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh thank you, Gaylene, for that construction info!</p> <p>Yes, it *is* really irritating and depressing. Those things ARE being cut at the high end more and more and more. You really said it perfectly. And honestly, it’s not hip to be a dupe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097955 Sat, 08 Feb 2020 18:58:29 +0000 Gaylene 2097955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“..their primary product is their logo rather than the goods now.”</p> <p>Totally agree with that, Rachylou! &nbsp;Most of the famous luxury brands have been bought by corporate conglomerates which see the logo as just a marketing tool. That’s why so many “designer” racks make me feel depressed instead of awestruck these days—sloppy sewing, mediocre fabric, cheap detailing, and uninspired design. It’s hard to summon up a feeling of wonder at a sequined skirt, dropping sequins all over the floor, and sporting a shredded hem on the flimsy underskirt—-for a sale price of $850! No wonder the youngsters prefer to shop at Uniqlo.&nbsp;</p> <p>By the way that all-too-common “dent” in the sleeve cap of a tailored sleeve is solved by a small piece of shaped bias fabric or padding which is sewn into the upper sleeve. The purpose is to support the sleeve head so the fabric falls perfectly over the shoulder joint. It’s a small, but important construction piece which is often eliminated by corner-cutting manufacturers even in higher level woman’s clothing. It really bugs me that women’s luxury lines seem to think women will overlook what is standard tailoring practice because of their desire for the label—or, even worse, think the problem lies in their body, not the cheapskate manufacturers.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097927 Sat, 08 Feb 2020 14:00:17 +0000 April 2097927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have seen this too, Rachy, though I would say it depends a lot on where you are.&nbsp; Because I have a son who lives in New York City and attends art school, I get to see what's next, or what the arty kids think is cool at any given moment.&nbsp; (Right now, for example, they seem to have rejected the idea of figure flattery, though they love high quality and secondhand because it's more environmentally friendly.)</p> <p>My friends who are closer to the country's heartland have rather different views.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097926 Sat, 08 Feb 2020 13:59:11 +0000 Lesley 2097926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't buy high-end luxury goods--I just don't have the budget. But I want to chime in and say that the prices are not always marked up just because they can, but because the kind of artisanship that goes into them costs more, even though it does not mean that the item will last longer (although in some cases it will). I'm talking about hand-painted silks, hand-sewn leather or beading, fibers that come from some exotic and rare animal. They make these items things of luxury because of their rarity or the work that has gone into them, but it doesn't mean that you're necessarily investing in something that will be handed down to the next generation, unless you treat it like a museum piece, which I suppose you should after spending like that on it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097923 Sat, 08 Feb 2020 13:46:38 +0000 rachylou 2097923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know what’s funny... so I *am* a person who’s interested in cachet; I like trendy things and think it’s a grand game... and I’m not sure the old luxury brands have as much cachet anymore, because of the whole current concept of branding itself. A lot of those brands, their primary product is their logo rather than the goods now. You can score more points at family dinners with Uniqlo than Hermes now, if you ask me. Jus’ sayin’...</p> <p>Also: what IS the trick to prevent shoulder dents? (!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097912 Sat, 08 Feb 2020 11:48:16 +0000 April 2097912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CF - thumbs up to "I am more interested in actual quality than in cachet."&nbsp; Me too.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097869 Sat, 08 Feb 2020 00:58:20 +0000 Christina F. 2097869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I imagine it varies from item to item. I’d also take into account what kind of item it is. I’d get more wear out of a high end coat or purse than say, pants - what if they stop fitting me? These days, too, I am more interested in actual quality than in cachet. I want to spend a little more on my clothes going forward (not Gucci prices though) and am wondering which brands will offer the most quality. I may post about this soon myself.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097859 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 23:34:29 +0000 Sal 2097859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t buy luxury goods - and designer is NZ designer rather than international. I can often notice that the construction is better than chain stores but not always.</p> <p>The luxury brands I see people wearing here are usually in belts, bags, tees and glasses. The Gucci belt, Balmain tees and Prada glasses. </p> <p>And yes - what is a quality blazer worth - is an excellent question! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097858 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 23:26:19 +0000 April 2097858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, I'm in awe of anyone who can sew clothing. I can recognize high quality construction but could never create it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097813 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 19:36:17 +0000 Gaylene 2097813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m agreeing with Mary, Angie, and Taylor that quality and price are connected but also that there is a point where the equation shifts so you are paying as much (or more) for the exclusivity and “aura” as for the item itself.&nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>One point, though, gets overlooked in these discussions. &nbsp;The onslaught of cheap, disposable fashion made under dubious conditions and designed with cost-cutting specifications and low-cost materials as the primary goal which has created some bizarre notions as to how much a “quality” piece should cost.</p> <p>For example, what is a reasonable price for a “quality”, tailored, wool jacket—$200?, $500?, $1000?, $2000? &nbsp;As someone who used to sew and tailor her own clothes in the 80s, I quit when I realized the cost for just the materials alone would allow me buy two reasonably good jackets or FIVE inexpensive ones. And that was before I even factored in my 30+ hours of cutting, sewing, fitting, hand stitching, and finishing used to create the jacket. My creation was far superior in terms of fabric, finishing, and fit, but still...so I packed away my Vogue Designer patterns and started shopping in stores. The construction knowledge I gained from those patterns and my tailoring books, however, was harder to shake.&nbsp;</p> <p> </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, it’s possible to buy a beautifully made &nbsp;wool coat which will last for several seasons for under $1000, but there may—or may not— be differences between that coat and one priced for $5000. The differences might not be readily apparent but they should be there or you’ve just wasted $4000 for a brand name. For the extra cash, you should expect more sophisticated construction details and seaming so the coat can be adjusted to subtly follow the contours of YOUR shape in a flattering way, the lining should be heavy-weight silk (not acetate or polyester), the bottom hems should be weighted so they will always will hang straight, the sleeve cap should employ an internal construction detail to keep the fabric from forming a “dent” where your arm drops away from the shoulder, the button holes and pockets should be bound and supported to they will never sag—I could go on, but suffice to say all these extras are the details which take time and money to add to the garment. Many of these smaller details need to be done by hand so these are the first things to be eliminated when designers are instructed to keep costs down.</p> <p>A coat with just 5 major seams and patch pockets will always cost less than one made with 25 seams and a great detail of internal construction. Both might be beautifully made of the same external fabric but the price points will be starkly different. Both can be good buys depending on what is important to the customer. What isn’t a good buy, in my books at least, is when that first coat is priced at the level of the second one just because of the name on the hang tag Unfortunately, too many “designer” items are guilty of doing just that these days.&nbsp;</p> <p> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097802 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 18:12:07 +0000 taylor 2097802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree with Mary and Angie here. &nbsp;The quality &nbsp;difference between Luxury and Designer &nbsp;isn’t huge . &nbsp;I have luxury bags ( Louis Vuitton)in excess of 4;000 and designer( Michael Kors, Furla , Dooney and Burberry) from the 300.00 -1000.00 range. &nbsp;I honestly use them more AND they are just as well made. &nbsp;</p> <p> <div>I will probably not buy a Luxury hand bag again, &nbsp;no matter how much I love the Lady Dior...I refuse to spenf that kind of money again. The luxury lines are becoming so far out of reach for the average person . &nbsp;There also seem to be so manyFakes. &nbsp;. I’m just not interested in logos all over everything. </p> <p>I Do own several Burberry Trenches , &nbsp;and I believe they are worth every penny. &nbsp;</p> <p> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097797 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 17:32:26 +0000 kkards 2097797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i've splurged on these 2 pairs of boots in the last 2 year...got them at a heavy discount, but they were still a lot of money...and yes totally worth it..the Stella McCartney boots are the only non leather footwear than i can wear for comfortably all day. they are beautifully made and beautiful to look at. the YSL have the softest leather i have ever felt in a pair of boots, and they are molded to my foot, so extremely comfortable. also the pitch is perfect, so the heel is wearable and walk-able. i had a similar boot from Vince that i sold last year because the pitch was off and so they were sitting boots.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />i've had Prada bags and shoes in the past (knowing what i know today, this brand is on my no buy list) and again, i'd say the craftsmen ship was worth it.&nbsp;<br />other than Burberry outerwear, i've not had true "extremely high end apparel".&nbsp;<br />would i pay full price for these luxury brands, no, but will i stretch my budget to buy these brands at a discount, yes</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097796 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 17:27:00 +0000 April 2097796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for - thank you, wise women of YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097782 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:58:58 +0000 Angie 2097782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My issue with luxury brands is that so many of the designers behave badly. They think they can do and say anything, and are untouchable. Stella McCartney on the other-hand is an animal activist among other things. She was vegan and so was her collection before most knew what the word meant. She is such an ethical role model. More need to be like her. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097780 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:49:56 +0000 Angie 2097780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that the quality aspect has a ceiling. As far as handbags go, my Furlas are AS impeccable and beautifully made as my Valentino and Chanel. My Furlas work soooo much harder though. And they look new - apart from the citron Furla that I ruined in Italy with bug repellent. </p> <p>Clothing and footwear quality is very inconsistent. My Hobbs trench is nicer quality and more beautifully made than my Burberry peacoat! </p> <p>My Prada boots wore out a lot faster than my Paul Greens! </p> <p>My Canadian Soia &amp; Kyo puffers are so beautifully made they make me weep with joy. There will not be a luxury puffer that is more beautifully made :)</p> <p>My shocking pink Joseph coat is impeccable and 8 or 9 years old. But then so is my far less expensive 10 year old navy military Stefanel that gets much more wear. </p> <p>So I’m with Mary. There is status, uniqueness, and extreme exclusivity involved in owning and carrying luxury brand merchandise. It’s not just a quality thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-high-end-luxury-brands#post-2097777 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:38:13 +0000 MsMary 2097777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've owned both and I can definitely tell the difference between an Audi and a Nissan while driving to the grocery store. ;)</p> <p>I have high end handbags and they are much definitely much nicer than the High Street brands. However I don't think the $4,000 Chanel is appreciably higher quality than the $1,000 Burberry, so I agree with April that at some point you're just paying for the name/scarcity/snob factor. </p>