Can Isabel Marant possibly be worth the $$?

Laura

This is the perfect summer dress. Just love it beyond reason. But can it possibly be worth $500? Why is Isabel Marant so insanely expensive? I mean, it's over the top, and not in a good way

Has anyone bought this brand, and what do you think?

http://www.barneys.com/%26%232.....gn=Primary

12 years ago

Shopping

31 replies

Latest reply was from Archer

Mochi

Veteran

The dress (which could be worn with jeans, shorts or a skirt too) is definitely striking and I love the colors and the cut.

I don't know about price as for me five smackeroos IS a lot of money for fabric, especially for a streamlined construction. Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV), as they say. For that amount, at least I would expect superlative quality and workmanship.

I think anna is the resident Isabel Marant devotee. Her opinion may be biased

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Anna has a ton of Isabel Marant stuff. Tina B just got a great pair of cords (similar to ones Anna has). They are your resident experts!

Although we ALL seem to have the knock-off booties!

12 years ago

Jules

Veteran

I consider myself really ignorant about this stuff - I've rarely even touched clothes this expensive, so what do I know? But with this style, how much construction can there be? And it doesn't even seem to hang that well on the model (hem looks uneven). Dunno and probably never will because I just can't see paying that much for a simple dress. This is in no way a judgment on others who might.

12 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Oh, good! I hope Anna and Tina B they will chime in. I would love to know what they think of the price v. value. This dress is selling out so fast that I am sure it will not go on sale. Maybe Zara will knock it off!

12 years ago

Anonymous

To spend that much it had better be a timeless classic or something you feel so fabulous wearing that you will wear it no matter what the current style.

12 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

Laura, I'll see your Isabel Marant and raise you a $1298 Free People leather jacket that is in no way justified for anywhere near that price point. And I irrationally find it beautiful and lustworthy.

http://www.freepeople.com/inde.....her+jacket

12 years ago

Anonymous

Anna loves the brand. I hope she sees this. She is a bit too trendy for me and I don't have the deep pockets either, but I have drooled over a number of things already.

12 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Personally, I would pay that much for it. Yes, it is beautiful and very in the moment, possibly also quite useful. But. The price. Turn off for me.

ETA: WOULDN'T! I meant wouldn't. Typo.

12 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Yeesh, that's a beautiful dress. I love the cut. But it is so simple and basic that the price seems crazy to me.

12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I don't know anything about the brand, but the dress does seem steep for the cost. It is petty but looks like a basic shift dress. I would think it would be the fabric that is what justifies the cost.

I hope Anna sees this. She would know for sure.

12 years ago

Tina

Veteran

It's beautiful fabric for sure. I wonder if this dress will have fit issues, there seems to be a bit of a pucker on the underarm of the model. Almost as if the arm hole is snug. It could just be the pose. I would not pay 500 for this dress, it is very basic in construction.
This boils down to individual taste and choices though, it is that way with more higher end/brand name clothes.

12 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

White summer dress = dead in one season for me.

If that's ok with you, then yes it is worth it. it is a fun dress!! I would wear it all the time. But not at this price point....

12 years ago

Kristin SF

Veteran

I enjoyed this blog post, the link to the NYT article, and related comments here:
http://www.lesantimodernes.com.....sabel.html

And yes, I have a few different knockoff versions of the dickers, but lusting after the originals!

12 years ago

Tina.b

Veteran

I'm definitely not an expert when it comes to Isabel Marant, but I do really like the brand. I have a few pieces of her clothing and 2 pairs of footwear. I bought two new jackets last week on vacation in the US. What I really love are her prints, I find them quite unique, definitely statement pieces. It is kind on an "it" label at the moment, whether it is worth the price is kind of up to the individual.

Isabel Marant Etoile (the less expensive line) pricing I would say is on par with other contemporary brands. The mainline is really getting up there though. The quality is better in the mainline, but it doesn't blow me away either. The best pieces usually sell out at full price.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Mm. I like Isabel Marant, but this dress doesn't do it for me.

12 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

This is so helpful! I have seen some bloggers take Isabel Marant to task for the elevated prices. No matter the price, I am LUSTING over this dress. LUST! But the white scares me. Imagine sitting outdoors wearing this dress at a lovely Mexican cafe ... and spilling your strawberry margarita on your lap (naturally I would never do something like that -- ha!) Big frowny face.

12 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I checked out a boutique in Paris and was really impressed by the fabrics. The clothing was so elaborate in person that it seemed too grand for my normal life. I didn't try anything on, so I can't speak to the cuts. I do think the prices are nuts, although they do vary depending in what country you buy. You certainly can't deny the influence she has on fashion at the moment. Seems to me like all the less expensive French brands are heavily IM influenced this spring as well as a lot of H&M stuff and other fast fashion stores. I do admire a lot of her things for sure, but the prices are too high for me.

12 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I've looked at Anna's Isabel Marant military jacket and would have to say it was worth every penny. The quality of the materials and the construction techniques are divine. I don't know about the rest of the line.

That being said, I wouldn't pay $500 for a shift dress.

12 years ago

shedev

Veteran

I dont really like this dress, so I'd say not worth it. I might feel different if it fit into my style. I did like the cords Tina B posted although I dont wear cords.
Mochi,I'm seriously lusting after that jacket.

12 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

Laura-What is paid for a piece of clothing is a personal issue to me. But...if I was considering it I would go and try it on. Do you feel like a million bucks in it. If so it may to worth it.

12 years ago

judy

Veteran

I love IM's aesthetic. I own a couple of her jeans...both I did find on sale. The fabrics are nice.

Is the dress worth it? My advice....go to Barney's and try it on. Then decide. How much do you usually spend on spring summer dresses? Do you buy a few that add up to $500? Then maybe this year you just buy one...if it's perfect, of course!

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Anything is worth it's price if you can afford it and really love it.

12 years ago

merwoman

Veteran

ouch sooo spendy! However, I think this dress could look stunning on you - with your complexion and gorgeous hair colour it would be divine...and damn the strawberries and margaritas...

12 years ago

cciele

Veteran

well said, Angie!

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

What Angie said - IM fabrics are special:)

12 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Yes, this all makes sense. I would need to see it in person to know if I still love, love, loved it. For now I will continue to lust!

12 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Sometimes a designer piece just works better in some mysterious way and you understand why they have developed a cult following and the associated prices. Sometimes not. The only way to tell is to try it on. (And take pictures!)

12 years ago

Emily

Active Member

IMHO, the only kind of dress worth anywhere near that kind of money is a wedding dress.
I just can't comprehend it...

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

What Angie said.

12 years ago

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