danm wrote: inxdecline wrote: danm wrote: Lanvin take the piss. For some reason I actually get angry when I see their prices. People who buy that stuff have WAY more money than sense. Their jackets/trousers etc. I could have made bespoke for a fraction of the cost.
This is such a flawed argument and could be applied to any 'high-end' brand surely, £220 isn't exactly thousands is it
But Lanvin is an especially egregious piss-taker. I'm referring in particular to standard jackets, trousers and shirts that are not just on a par with other so called 'high-end' brands in terms of price but are inflated beyond to a laughable degree. A tailor one trusts (easier said than done for some I concede) would have no trouble making such items especially for you.
Of course, some people have lots of money and don't want to go to the trouble of having stuff made and waiting. Also, I don't begrudge people buying expensive pieces of clothing that are interesting or unique and couldn't be found anywhere else for cheaper or made to one's satisfaction (not that I'm interested in having exact replicas made).
I'm probably ranting from a privileged position. Not one of wealth but I have a good relationship with a local tailor and I always like to take the opportunity to encourage other people to save money, support independent businesses and have clothes which fit them just as they would like.
I'll try harder to restrain myself from regurgitating tired, standard complaints about brand label fetishism and the like, it's largely futile and probably aggravating to people here.
Full disclosure: I have a Dior Homme jacket I wear all the time that I bought at sale price a couple of years ago. I certainly wouldn't buy their standard suits or shirts though and APC jeans suit me fine.
Disclaimer: I own some Lanvin pieces, including sneakers.
I’m disagreeing with you here and here’s a few reasons why:.
1) Lanvin’s quality level is a cut above most designer offerings. Their suits and coats are made by either Canali or Ma. Co (they might have used both, not sure who is their maker now) and to higher specifications than their basic lines. Basically you get a fully canvassed, bemberg lined jacket with some key handwork on the lapel and fully functional buttonholes for a price that is, it has to be said, a touch higher than, say, Canali charges for their clothing.
2) The materials are often interesting and luxurious mixes that a regular tailor at a price point equal or lower than Lanvin does not have access to, e.g., silk/cotton fabric with alternating black and navy large stripes. Your tailor might not even order it if he could because he wouldn’t be able to sell it to another client as it is rather limited in use for the average buyer.
3) Bespoke clothing is usually at an equal or higher price point than Lanvin and if yours is much lower I would think chances are you’re referring to a made to measure suit with no multiple fitting and pattern made for you. The suit you’re getting would possibly be fused or half-canvassed, construction slightly worse and fabric choice, as previously mentioned limited to more available wools and cottons in standard colour choices. He might also have a house style and could have difficulty replicating the softly padded relaxed fit of Lanvin garments.
4) I’m personally more interested in design than all the other factors mentioned and like to purchase the works I hold in high esteem. In other words, just like with furniture, I consider that the immaterial benefits you get from good design are worth paying for and don’t feel cheated when the prices reflect that. It is also why I prefer designer clothing to bespoke, even though I understand the possible advantages that such garments offer.
5) The sneakers are sold at a hard to justify price point, even when you consider the luxurious materials. These are the type of items where Lanvin really rakes a large % of profit, I guess you get them if you don’t find anything approaching from other makers, which was the case with those I got.
6) All in all I guess getting what you want at a price you’re willing to pay is all that matters so, yeah, if your tailor gives you that just stick with him and you'll be satisfied.
