https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 01 May 2026 16:10:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128441 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:38:38 +0000 RoseandJoan 128441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very succinct Angie! This is what happens to my thought process when I become snowed in with the girls LOL. It's not pretty! I hope a cup of tea sorts the head spinning before you have to leave. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128438 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:31:29 +0000 Angie 128438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My head is spinning and I have to go. At the end of the day I guess you'll know it (designer) when you see it (designer). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128357 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:22:32 +0000 RoseandJoan 128357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ele, I also think the term 'demi couture' is banded about too lightly without having any connection to couture. designers appear to be using the words demi couture for any item which requires hand work, I think Marchesa class most of their work as demi couture. I do not think a term is required to highlight man hours on a garment, sight alone can witness pleats, drapes and hand sewn beads. I suppose these designers are trying to create their niche. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128356 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:34:52 +0000 RoseandJoan 128356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, Ele, I did a double take with the Chanel thing as well, I would consider K by Karl Lagerfeld to be mainstream but I certainly would consider Chanel to be far more elitist to the more mainstream Marc by Marc Jacobs or even Michael Kors.</p> <p>I think you are probably right with your summary, in buying designer you are buying the work of a person whose aesthetic is widely considered beautiful and deserves (?) the input of major financial backing.</p> <p>Edit: I love that my spell checker wishes to change Lagerfeld to Garfield, would you spend £200 on pair of Garfield sunglasses? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128353 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:07:25 +0000 Ele 128353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, we agree on BCBG then I also consider it a mainstream brand (albeit an expensive one) and not a designer line. </p> <p>Julie, I liked the info from your link but have to admit that I snorted with laughter when Chanel was lumped in with Marc Jacobs as "affordable luxury". In whose world, I'd like to know? Even Chanel's less expensive collections are designer in my book, regardless of the scale on which they're produced. (This might be because Karl Lagerfeld is known as a dedicated workaholic, and designs a huge amount of Chanel merchandise himself, rather than relying on licensees or his design teams.) </p> <p>I also take offense to the term "couture", and the writer saying that it's sold in boutiques at a high price point. That's just high-end pret-a-porter, not couture! There is NO difference between couture and haute couture, one is simply a nickname for the other. You don't find it in shops and you don't often find it at all, unless you tend to hang around with a lot of Saudi princesses. </p> <p>(I know I sound harsh but the misuse of that term is one of my pet peeves. I hate it when a boutique or label pops "haute couture" on the end of their name in an effort to gain cachet. It's not cool, and it's not even legal!) </p> <p>In the eyes of the consumer, I think "designer" has a lot to do with who they perceived actually designed the item. Especially true if the label bears a designer's name (like Marc Jacobs or Oscar de la Renta, for example). Of course this is silly because everything, from a Target jacket to a Gucci dress, is designed by someone, and to assume that more thought, skill or time goes into one than the other is ridiculous and wrong. </p> <p>So, yeah. We're no closer to figuring this out, are we? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128347 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:25:34 +0000 RoseandJoan 128347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooo, that was a long post for 6:25am! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128346 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:24:25 +0000 RoseandJoan 128346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I came across this while googling designer v mainstream and I think it highlights the extremes at both ends and the blurring in the middle</p> <p>'Define "designer". There are many levels....I'll describe them roughly.</p> <p>First there's higher end, mainstream "name brands" which you find in most any department store, or chain boutiques which carry (relatively) pricey clothing (ie. Anthropologie). Some of these are designer lines made for the masses (ie. DKNY). Generally, these are not considered designer clothes at all, but they do cost more than Wal-Mart, which is considered "discount clothing" . Between this level and discount is the name brands for the masses (ie. the Gap). The quality is above discount, but not as good as higher end name brands.</p> <p>The advantage to higher end name brands can be: higher quality material and thread, styles knocked off from recent runway trends, better cut/fit, and more attention to detail. The higher quality feels better, looks better, fits better, and lasts longer. Sometimes, a name is just a name though. There's a lot of range in that section, and some of it crosses over into the next section...</p> <p>Next, you have pretty well-known designer labels that can be found in nicer department stores (ie. Nordstrom, Bloomingdales), such as Chanel, Marc Jacobs etc. These are made in large quantity, although not aimed at the average person. This is "affordable luxury". These have similar advantages as the above clothes with the added appeal of a more well-known designer label . Also, a lot of it sold in department stores are actually pretty simple, classic items that will last you many years (not super trendy).</p> <p>Then, there's the couture sold in boutiques, aimed at the wealthy minority. They will sometimes carry lesser known, up-&amp;-coming designers that you wouldn't find in a department store, or more fashion-forward styles by well known designers. These are "luxury" clothes. At this point you are paying for design and uniqueness of the item, much more so than just the material.</p> <p>Then there's haute couture, much of which is art and not even made to be worn IRL, unless you're a celebrity and/or want to make a statement &amp; have lots of money. Haute couture is often one of a kind and custom fitted. </p> <p>The higher up the level you go, you also get more exclusivity, meaning you don't have to worry about running into someone wearing the same thing.'</p> <p>Read more: <a href="http://www.city-data.com/forum/fashion-beauty/673928-purpose-designer-clothes.html#ixzz0gWdbfeCj" rel="nofollow">http://www.city-data.com/forum.....z0gWdbfeCj</a></p> <p>Maybe for the blurry middle section the term designer is simply a marketing tool, it implies quality, niche and luxury. Perhaps a high end mainstream brand does not wish to appear elitist in the hope the brand will have wider appeal. </p> <p>There was also an interesting quote from a guy whose wife worked for Max Mara who had been told "We don't care if you don't sell a single thing". The reason the stores exist is to advertise the brand and keeping up the image is "job one".</p> <p>Read more: <a href="http://www.city-data.com/forum/fashion-beauty/673928-purpose-designer-clothes.html#ixzz0gWgLp9Eq" rel="nofollow">http://www.city-data.com/forum.....z0gWgLp9Eq</a></p> <p>Surely though all designer brands now need to think in terms of profit, labels are vanishing on a regular basis through loss of financial backing.</p> <p>It appears the YLF forum falls into two categories, those you will shop both mainstream and designer and those you feel more comfortable just shopping mainstream. At the other end of the spectrum I imagine their are shoppers who refuse to purchase anything other than a known designer brand.</p> <p>I still do not know the answer to the question but I am seeing the blur more clearly.</p> <p>Thank you for your responses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128240 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:15:14 +0000 Angie 128240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally, Ele. Mine is an oversimplification for sure - but you've got to start somewhere with the interpretation :0)</p> <p>BCBG is an interesting one. There are many facets to the brand too (Hever Leger and Max Azria are designer parts of BCBG). But BCBG the store is not pret a porter designer in my book, but definitely better-end - like Mackage I guess. Fairly mainstream but more boutique-like. The brand is housed right next to Trina Turk and Nanette Lepore in Nordstrom - which is in itself interesting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128227 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:21:34 +0000 Ele 128227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With respect, Angie, I think that simplifies the matter a bit too much. Here in the UK, "high street" means way, way more than just location. I think the term is throwing off the meaning. Basically, where is the line between a "designer brand" and just a pricier, but still "mainstream", brand? </p> <p>For example: Max Azria's BCBG. Shows at NYC fashion week, yet can be found in "good" malls all across North America. Designer label, or mainstream brand? (I know what I think, but I'm really curious about what you or others would say.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128215 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:21:53 +0000 Angie 128215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question! And very blurry indeed. </p> <p>The, or a High Street is Oxford Street. Most of the retailers on Oxford street are mainstream chain stores - excluding the department stores. Designer means "pret a porter " collections. So, chain stores like Oasis, River Island, Zara, Topshop, H&amp;M, Laura Ashley, Principles, New Look and Evans are typical mainstream High Street retailers. But you'll find designer collections in the department stores on the High Street. </p> <p>Hmmmmm. Things start getting very tricky when Karl Lagerfeld, Sonia Rykiel and Stella McCartney design for H&amp;M. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128108 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:01:52 +0000 Ele 128108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great question, Julie. The lines between designer and high street (or any old mainstream brand, if you're outside the UK) are blurry, and getting blurrier all the time. I don't even know what I would say is the defining factor, but I know what I think it isn't.</p> <p>For me, it's not price. There are super expensive brands on the high street (Reiss jumps to mind), and several more affordable designer lines, too. Ditto quality. These days, quality can very wildly even within one shop or brand, depending on where the items are produced, the raw materials, etc.</p> <p>I don't think it's showing at a fashion week, either. Like you say, high street labels can show now and there are many, many designer labels that choose not to, primarily because a) it's expensive, and b) increasingly, has very little to do with actually getting your goods into shops. </p> <p>Soo... I thought you might have touched on it when you said availability, but then I thought of those huge American superbrands, like Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. Available all over the world and with huge design teams, surely they're not really "designer" labels anymore, either? Is it just the way a company chooses to present itself? Cachet? </p> <p>This gets more confusing when you start to factor in designer's secondary lines and bridge labels, as well. I'm interested in hearing more responses, as my own thoughts on this are confusing me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128097 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:06:40 +0000 Louise 128097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Huuummm good point x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128095 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:01:46 +0000 RoseandJoan 128095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah Louise I agree price is a big factor, but say ASOS why is this NW3 dress filed under high street<br /> <a href="http://www.asos.com/Nw3/Nw3-By-Hobbs-Fitzjohn-Silk-Georgette-Frill-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=999401&#038;cid=5589&#038;Rf-400=12252&#038;sh=0&#038;pge=0&#038;pgesize=20&#038;sort=-1&#038;clr=Blackcurrant" rel="nofollow">http://www.asos.com/Nw3/Nw3-By.....ackcurrant</a><br /> When this dress by Sass and Bride, for the same price, is filed under designer<br /> <a href="http://www.asos.com/Sass-Bide/Sass-Bide-Giraffe-Oversized-Print-Loose-T-Shirt-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=851140&#038;cid=6932&#038;sh=0&#038;pge=0&#038;pgesize=20&#038;sort=-1&#038;clr=Ivory" rel="nofollow">http://www.asos.com/Sass-Bide/.....;clr=Ivory</a><br /> Could it be limited availability? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128092 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:51:23 +0000 Louise 128092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The difference for me is the cost. I can't comment on quality as i've never bought designer the cost puts me off. I suppose as they are so expensive they should be made to last in which case the cost per wear ratio is good but i get fed up with things and like to move onto the next trend that i can't justify too expensive i prefer mid range like m and s and wallis. I guess if you buy designer you get the trends 1st but everywhere is so quick to latch on that i'd rather wait x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-difference-between-high-street-and-designer#post-128089 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:45:45 +0000 RoseandJoan 128089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is the difference between High Street and Designer?</p> <p>I have been giving some thought today, in light of London Fashion week and Angie's New York blogs, to the difference between high street and designer. </p> <p>Is it price? The high street now offers a high and low end alternative, at the low end of the market you have Primark selling jeans for £5.00, whilst at the high end Whistles or Reiss command prices upwards of £150.00 for a dress. In turn the Designers are producing more affordable diffusion lines such as Armani Exchange or McQ.</p> <p>Is it quality? High price does not necessarily guarantee high quality and sometimes surprisingly good quality may be found on a budget.</p> <p>Is it Fashion Week? UK high street retailer Topshop now showcases Topshop Unique at London Fashion Week.</p> <p>Where do boutiques and boutique brands fit into the mix?</p> <p>I'm therefore interested in your opinion of what constitutes designer and why? and do you have a mix of designer and high street in your wardrobe?</p> <p>Thank you for your time </p>