You don't have to be a fashionista to know that French fashion has a reputation for being uppity and tres expensive. They don't call it haute couture for nothing.
But according to the Wall Street Journal, "With the euro reaching new records against the dollar, U.S. shoppers are finding European designer labels even more expensive than in past years. But a young crop of French designers is now trying to prove that style doesn't have to be so costly."
Unlike the traditional fashion houses selling $1,000 bags, less expensive French labels are outsourcing manufacturing to keep costs down -- a big no-no in traditional fashion circles, where local production is considered key to retaining cachet. Some are also taking the hit on the euro's rise, rather than passing the expense on to American consumers.
Paul & Joe is even -- gasp -- designing a collection for Target (NYSE: TGT).
Will Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) be able to capitalize on the trend toward more affordable French fashions, as it struggles with its efforts to sell more upscale clothing? Doubtful. If outsourcing production in France hurts cachet, designing clothes for Wal-Mart, the international symbol of corporate avarice and apathy toward people, would be fashion suicide.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-05-2007 @ 6:11AM
daisy said...
I have loved Target for years. Their Mossimo t shirts look like Theory t shirts that cost ($50). The Mossimo t's at Target are $7.99. The quality is fabulous! The line of bras, lingerie, and ahletic wear are great quality and stylish too.
I buy most of my stuff at an online shopping
mall that gives me between 5-55% back in cash on all my purchases. There are over 1000 stores including Sephora, Apple, The Gap, Target
(great for soo much), Macy's. I also wait for sales so I get my cash back and the lowest price
http://www.dailyoink.com The site is ugly, but well worth it.
12-05-2007 @ 11:07AM
amy said...
wow. outsourcing. that's something we need more of, right? i'm so glad that they are manufacturing elsewhere, so they can pay workers less so we can get the better deal. honestly, if you want designer clothes, at least pay the money it's supposedly worth. don't take the money from people who need it.
people know that places like wal-mart are terrible to everyone involved (minus the executives and the american consumers). but i find it disappointing that people would overlook the atrocity outsourcing a product that is not at all a necessity. i urge readers not to endorse this change.