Saturday, September 19, 2009

Fierce footwear

Remember 5 years ago when Karl Lagerfeld collabbed with H&M and the whole world went bananas? Then Stella McCartney followed suit, and now all of a sudden every darn designer worth his/her salt -- Luella, Viktor & Rolf, Vera Wang, Tracy Feith, Anna Sui, Thakoon, Matthew Williamson, Temperley, Alexander McQueen to name a few -- seems to be putting out bargain priced collections for chain stores such as Target, Kohl's, the aforementioned H&M and so on.

Upcoming designer/chain store collaborations this fall/winter include Rodarte for GO International /Target and Jimmy Choo for H&M... and obviously I was excited when I first heard the news, but aside from the fact that these collabs make it somewhat easier to get your hands on great designs without breaking the bank, they just don't feel that exclusive or like a big deal anymore. Am I the only one who thinks like that? There are so many of them being announced on a regular basis these days that I can barely keep up - and to be honest, I am not always that impressed with the resulting collections....

Also, there are definitely cons as well as pros to formerly hard-to-get fashions all of a sudden being highly affordable and easily accessible to everyone and their mother. As I see it, at least half the fun of buying designerwear is the feeling of getting something unique and exclusive.... but stepping out on 34th St and seeing all the 20 something budget fashionistas wearing the exact same Comme des Garcons coat as the one you just acquired at a 2-digit price kind of kills it for me.

You think I'm whining? Well, fortunately it did not take more than a quick visit to Payless on the way home from Pearl Studios today, in particular their Christian Siriano display, to shut me up (pictures from the store on the right and below). After some serious reconsideration, I actually do think that New York is big enough to hold a few thousands of mass-produced teal/gold Slither Zip booties or buckled Strut pumps without any serious or even noticeable effects on footwear diversity in the streets... meaning I could indeed acquire a pair without feeling like a total cheap clone.... couldn't I?

Siriano's designs have never impressed me that much in the past, and him being a reality star just makes it a little more difficult for me to take him seriously. But I do like his Payless line! It's surprisingly stylish and well put together for being one of these endless chain store collaborations, with luxe looking material, print and color choices that are pretty spot on throughout the whole line. The shoes retail for $49.99 and less, but they actually look much more expensive. Nothing wrong with that!

Now, the question is, could I really put on a pair from his collection every morning (or even just once in a while) without hearing a nasal "f-i-erce!!" inside of my head? Well, maybe that would be a welcome change from "I die!", which seems to be stuck in there at the moment. Reality TV slogans suck! Another (slogan-less) option is of course to instead get those very nice red Alice + Olivia boots, also at Payless, that I raved about a couple of entries ago and saw in person today. Or should I just cut up my credits cards and start saving for retirement? :)

xoxox!

30 comments:

  1. Well written! haha I so agree it does get..un exciting. "I die" has actually become famous Rachel should copyright it like Donlad Trump tried to for "your fired" haha. xx

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  2. I'm with you on the fed up of collaboration thing because there is often a comprimise on material, the designer thing isn't as bad a model cum designer ones! Somethings do work though - the first Pierre Hardy shoes for Gap were brilliant and great (I have a pair) but you have to pick your pieces with care.

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  3. Honestly, I'm going to be the worst influence on you right now, but...buy them all - including the red alice + Olivia boots (I too am in love with them, but have yet to see them in person). You never know when you'll find shoes as splendrous as all of the above, and they're fairly affordable, so...buy, buy, buy! :)

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  4. Hey there. Great post. I hope you've been having a wonderful weekend. Take care. Cheers!

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  5. I love the green boots !
    http://mimietnini.canalblog.com/

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  6. The Donald copyrighted "you're fired"? Oh my... now I really have to say I DIE! Hahah!

    Erika, you are the worst influence ever! I will maybe have to follow your advice... me being a total color junkie and all, I can't resist red and teal!! Also, I wish I would have gotten a pair of Hardys for GAP back in the day... remember they looked flawless. :)

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  7. I noticed that some of this collaboration thingy sacrifices the quality of the product. Well, I guess it depends on the store where the designer ties up. Look at Anna Sui for Target, I'd say it's pure crap. But Christopher Kane for Topshop is ok.

    I love those boots, well, you can wear it once it a while just for fun.

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  8. Love those blue ankle boots! Well written, nice post.

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  9. I so agree regarding Anna for Target. The collection did not meet my expectations at all!

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  10. Jimmy Choo for H&M? Now that is something I cannot wait for! You're a fabulous writer by the way! xoxo Crystal

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  11. I agree with eerything you said, I like the designer cheap brandhing going on butI don' feel as special because its not exclusive, bit snobby though eh?
    XOXOX
    Libby
    http://fashionconfectinairy.weebly.com

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  13. @Crystal: Thank you! This is the only chance I ever get to write something, so I am truly enjoying it!

    Also, I think the Jimmy Choo collection is launching Nov 14... some pictures already leaked and it looks pretty promising!

    @Libby: I know... I feel bad for saying it but I love snobby! :D

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  14. Oh those teal booties are very fierce indeed!
    The colour in gorgeous! Well I wouldn't say no to a pair. No idea if they'd be stocked anywhere I could buy them though..

    Florrie x

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  15. Thanks a lot for all the comments you've left on my blog! I really appreciate it!!

    P.S: I can't wait to buy some Jimmy Choos on H&M!! I hope they'll have some I'll like!

    http://www.hottheels.blogspot.com

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  16. I can wait to see the colaboration of H&M/J.Choo, and see the shoes, but, they might toooooo high for me.....

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  17. i love the color of the last shoes...check out my blog if you have the chance http://girlonfire28.blogspot.com/

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  18. I agree that the whole collaboration thing may be more affordable for the average person, but still may not be ideal. If quality & comfort is compromised, it won't be a hot item and no one will want it. Comfort is so important, especially here in NY. I spend so much time walking and on my feet, that I rather pay a premium for hot shoes that feel great, ya know?
    Great blog post!
    Hope you had a great weekend!
    xx

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  19. Absolutely! I would not care so much if I could just hop into my car and drive everywhere, but now with all this walking I need comfy shoes that still look fantastic.

    No kidding we have all these ads for bunion surgery everywhere in the NYC subway system! :D

    xoxo

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  20. cookie you sound so much like Isa fisher in confessions of a shopaholic. i think your a true fashionsta, you work for elle magazine please, you just too good!
    --
    when designers come together with chain stores, i think its good because they need to make some money or else they'll corrupt. Its great for the fashion lovers to have a taste of luxury too

    love casper

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  21. I wish I worked for ELLE! That would be a nice change from my current occupation... I'm on Law & Order tomorrow, hopefully I will get out in time for the "Coco Avant Chanel" screening. Yay!

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  22. I posted my Aldo's just because of this great post!
    Added you to my blogroll. Thought you were already on it : D

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  23. They sure do look fantastic! I'm sure all your readers will run to Aldo now and whip out their credit cards! :)

    ... and thanks! Have a great day tomorrow!

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  24. hahaha naaah he tried to copyright it or something but didn't happen as it was said to often..somethng like that haha i heard it awhile ago! xx

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  25. Nothing he does surprises me. His phrase is not even as funny as "I die!" - no s*** he couldn't get the copyright!

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  26. Too true Cookie! There is nothing more off putting that everyone wearing the same as you, and it really does take away the 'special' of the original designer pieces. I'm not looking forward to H&M Jimmy Choo from the photos I've seen they look a bit cheap - and are actually quite expensive for what's meant be high street! I think these collaborations are becoming a bit overkill now - I say as I sit looking at my new Chris Kane for Topshop LOL x
    Pearl from http://fashionpearlsofwisdom.blogspot.com/

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  27. I love how designers are collaborating with private labels for bargain collections. Another designer is Jil Sanders, who is designing for Uniqlo. I believe the collection should be in the Soho store first week of October.

    -Jason

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  28. Jil Sander...? See everyone, I told you, I can't keep up at all!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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