1. All right, by this time we’ve all seen pictures (or the real thing) of Christian Louboutin’s Rouge nail color right?
Yes, the price ($50) is crazy. My current theory is that Mr. Louboutin is friends with the Chanel Beauty people and have entered into a conspiracy to make Chanel nail polish prices ($25) appear reasonable.
As a nail polish fan, I would never consider forking over the $50. As someone who works in product for their day job however, I have become more and more intrigued by this polish. The design, materials, and packaging are all perfection. A part of me wants to pay the $50 just to marvel at the whole product package.
What do you all think about this polish?
2. Somehow I randomly came across this NY Times article from a few years back (2011) by the talented Alex Kuczynski, discussing the “undercover luxury” trend, particularly in clothing. I feel like this trend is still going on today somewhat, though it seems like the mood is shifting to more ebulliance a bit. Anyway, the article makes for an interesting fashion read, plus mentions Marie Antoinette – always an interesting combination for me.
3. I almost never link to “subscriber only” WSJ articles as they are more difficult to access, and I feel bad for cheating poor Mr. Murdoch out of his paywall. However, I found this Michael Kors article so interesting that I had to link it (the link itself is a Google search, click the first result, “Popular or Overexposed?”) and I wanted to hear your opinion about it. Do you agree or disagree? For me, yes I do see Michael Kors everywhere, in particular the watches and bags. But there is a reason they are popular – they’re stylish and at a great price point. It will be interesting to see how potential ubiquity impacts the brand in the coming years.
4. This week I’m re-reading an old favorite of mine, A Man In Full.
The book is very engaging although sometimes uneven (and I almost never like it when writers try to make up their own rap lyrics…oy). But I remember how much I wanted to visit Atlanta when I first read this book…and I still do! The stories of Charlie Croker and Conrad Hensley…as well as the host of supporting players, are all memorable. Learn about the South, Atlanta, and even a little bit about real estate development and speculation…all with a grain of fiction based salt, of course.Enjoy!
9 Comments
Sarah
August 8, 2014 at 9:22 amEnjoyed the articles re MK, though don’t necessarily agree with their point of view. To me MK products are like copies, (expensive ones!) and devoid of imagination. The size of the logo on certain of their items verges on the comical.
irina
August 8, 2014 at 9:32 amKat, happy Friday! I mentioned it before.. I think MK items are everywhere not because they are of great design and at reasonable price point but because people are completely charmed into having to have the IT bag/watch/etc and cannot afford the real thing. Stealing the designs and popularizing them which is exactly what MK does is not an achievement in my books, it’s still stealing:) Just for clarification – I cannot afford a real thing either:) but I won’t buy anything MK makes ( a bit of overreaction, I know):)
FashionableLena
August 8, 2014 at 12:05 pmNot real sure why people keep singling out Michael Kors about selling inspired pieces when I can name any number of other second tier designers who have knocked off luxury designers.
For example, Kate Spade, Donna Karan, and Tory Burch all have a version of the Prada Saffiano Luxe tote. Donna Karan also has a quilted Chanel-esque bag with a chain strap. Reed Krakoff has gone off on his own but a lot of his bags still look like Coach. Rebecca Minkoff has a new handbag that looks exactly like a Chanel Boy bag. How many designers have done the same shape and silhouette as the Celine Phantom with the wings that stick out? The Cambridge Satchel Co and Proenza Schouler have bags that mimic the messenger bags from the 1800s. The list goes on and on. Let’s face it. No one is doing anything new.
If you love a handbag (from a $5 canvas tote to Hermes), who cares how many are on the street? I will never understand that logic. Wear what you like, forget what everyone else thinks, and enjoy your bag.
ir
August 8, 2014 at 12:38 pmI agree with Kate Spade bags, and the general message:)
Katherine
August 8, 2014 at 1:17 pmGreat points. I think MK is singled out as he’s probably the most successful and the largest presence out of the examples you stated.
Suparna
August 8, 2014 at 7:18 pmThe New York times article is very interesting. Love your blog and I read it with eagerness. Thank you
Katherine
August 9, 2014 at 9:22 amThanks so much Superna!
Ammu
August 11, 2014 at 2:16 amThat piece on Michael Kors is interesting – I was just in London and was astonished by the number of women I saw – many in their twenties/early thirties – carrying his bags. Very overexposed. That said, I purchased a Michael Kors quilted lambskin purse w/ virtually no logo two years ago and I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality. I am surprised that other designers haven’t managed to penetrate the market – DVF and Clare Vivier produce very good quality bags at a similar price point and yet, you don’t see them everywhere. I suppose Kors’s over-production is one reason why.
Katherine
August 11, 2014 at 9:02 amThat’s a great point about DVF and CV. I’ve come across a lot of DVF bags that are lovely and I see them even less than CV, even though CV is a comparably less “popular” brand.