$91,500 Hermes Crocodile T-shirt
“You get what you pay for” is a common idiom the world over. Fashion is a commodity based industry and the perception of ‘value’ or ‘exclusivity’ is one of the most effective selling points for designer products. The most expensive items and brands are given a halo effect through the exclusionary impact of price. If you can’t afford to play the game, you can’t shouldn’t take part at all.
High fashion was never built to be inclusive or democratic; in fact the exact opposite was true. Fashion was an insider culture with it’s own set of aesthetics, values, and lifestyle. Legendary couture houses such as Chanel or Dior were built to accomodate the tastes and needs of an aristocratic class. The idea of luxury has been since been re-packaged and commodified ; ensuring that any major city the world over will have it’s pick of Louis Vuitton, Gucci or Prada. Historic couture houses became huge global brands. Large holding companies the likes of LVMH, Disel Kering (formally PPR) and OTB have mastered the formula of branding and selling luxury. They continue to dominate by hiring talented creative to give the design credibility all while spreading the word through celebrity endorsements, worldwide PR campaigns, and huge advertising budgets.
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