Reality Fashion

Yes, I am still alive! I am finally back – with a vengeance! I know I have been out of circulation for some time. I had been traveling to do research on the concept and design of my new pet project and at the same time I took the opportunity to take a a breather from my routine. (I will tell you more about the project as soon as I finalize everything). I actually scared a few people because of my long absence. The ever-reliable and consistent Joyce had become unpredictable. During this period I discovered many truths. The truths I learned and experienced in these few months will last me a lifetime. But despite all the changes, one thing remained constant, my passion for fashion!

From this trip I realized that Manila is not different from any other city. I complain a lot about customer service here but who would have thought that I would have nightmares in Italy! The sad reality is that they still discriminate against Asians over there. Also, they think that since you are a tourist, the odds of you returning to their store are very small. Hence, they think it is not necessary to exert extra effort on customer care. You will not believe all the things I went through during my trip. It was unreal! As I have written many times before, if being brand conscious means purchasing an expensive designer item because of its quality, then I admit, I am. But always remember this: high price is not equal to high quality. Let me tell you that Dolce & Gabbana is now out of my fashion list! I have never owned anything from this label until my trip to Italy. I have been living in Hong Kong for many years but I have not bought anything from their store there. But I figured, since I was in Italy, I should go to Dolce & Gabbana. The spring collection looked interesting and I fell in love with a pair of extra-long, low-slung, tightly cut, black suede pants, which slightly flared at the bottom. It emphasized my legs and my behind looked great! The next day, I wanted to wear the pants but I was unfortunate. I usually check the merchandize before I purchase it. Yet, this time I assumed it was perfect since it was so expensive. Although I asked the saleslady to check them and she told me everything was fine. Really, never trust anyone but yourself and make sure you check everything before you pay! Whoever tried the pants on before was not very careful and left a heel mark on one of the pants legs. I tried brushing the mark off, but the mark was permanent. Thank goodness I was able to get them replaced. They were definitely on my "must-have list" for the season until I finally got the to wear them. I was wondering why the water turned black when I washed my hands before eating. Then after a few hours, I saw my hands black again. I couldn’t believe that my pants stained my hands until I took them off! My legs were also black! How could this happen? I brought them back to the store, of course. Their solution was to change the short lining to a full leg (to prevent the stain on my legs). I also asked them to have the pants dry-cleaned to make sure that the excess color washes out. The promised date for pick-up passed but the pants were not ready. When I finally got them, I asked the supervisor if I would have the same problem in the future and she said yes. She reasoned out that that was a natural effect for suede dyed in black to bleed. She must be kidding! The worse thing was I couldn’t even get my money back. I could only get a credit memo. After everything that happened they still wanted me to spend my money in their store. Or course, the money was the most important for them. How could they let it go with a refund? I was very angry because I was forced to get things I really did not intend to buy. The worse thing was the manager’s attitude. He wasn’t at all apologetic about the situation.

While this was happening, another pair of pants that I bought ripped open at the back as I was about to sit down – also Dolce & Gabbana. Of course, I also had to return and exchange these pants! But it doesn’t end here! I had to take a few things in exchange for the suede pants. I got a pair of military-inspired heels. I almost died! They were so painful and I got blisters! In addition, I got a pair of jeans and they stained my white shirt. How is it possible for two pairs of pants to have a similar problem? I have no idea which process in their production goes wrong but one thing is sure, the quality is not equivalent to the price I had to pay. I don’t understand how you can spend so much money for inferior quality merchandise. For this, I have written this label off my list. And…there is more. I also had a terrible experience in another store, Luisa Via Roma, which carries cult brands like Comme des Garcons by Junya Watanabe, Yohji Yamamoto, Dries Van Noten, Roberto Cavalli, YSL Rive Gauche, Ann Demeulemeester, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Balenciaga among others. I bought a vintage Burberry jacket modernized by collection PRIVÉE. Again, I made a mistake of not checking the jacket. As I was about to wear it, I saw a big oil mark on the chest and the armholes were badly stained. Would you believe that when I returned it, five people were smelling the jacket and looking at the stains in front of me? I was very insulted. How was it possible for me to make sweat stains in the cold weather? They did not believe that the stain already existed when I purchased it. Then after a lot of discussion they also explained that the jacket was vintage. I knew I was buying something old but it doesn’t mean it should be dirty! Then after buying many things in their store, they no longer remember you when you return. It’s all the same. They don’t care about anything else but the money. I was just any other person spending money in their store. What has happened to customer care?

Since Nicholas Ghesquiere took over the design of Balenciaga, I have become a big, big fan. It has become a cult brand especially among fashion insiders. Now I am beginning to change my mind. My newly purchased painter’s pants ripped at the back the first time I wore them. I would have excused it if the pants were extremely tight but the style was loose. Then a week ago in Manila, I wore a croco belt I also got in Florence and I heard something fall off when I got out of the car. The buckle fell off. I was praying that the stone did not break. It was a good thing it did not but I couldn’t believe that it was just glued on to the belt. Of course it would not hold up because the buckle was heavy. Again, remember: high price is not equal to high quality. So why spend so much for inferior quality? What I don’t understand is how they can price these clothes so high. Do they think they can get away with it? Do they think that we are such suckers of fashion that only the label is important and the rest isn’t. These brands spend so much on marketing and transfer the burden of the cost to the consumer with high prices. A good friend of mine checked a clothing manufacturer in Prato, Italy and she asked how much it cost to make a cashmere sweater. Do you know that it only costs US$20? How much does it cost once the sweater is labeled Ferré, Valentino or Armani? It was a viscous cycle for me. I purchased a blue handmade suede tasseled skirt from Mauro Volponi and I had to return it because some tassels were torn. Then, they made a new one for me and again I had to return it because the cutting wasn’t straight. It was unbelievable! I don’t expect this kind of work in an expensive store. Maybe this is possible in the tiangge but definitely not in exclusive boutiques. What sets them apart then?

Now more than ever, we are more conscious of how we spend our money. Women still spend and shop but instead of buying a number of fashion fads, they will invest on a garment that is modern yet has lasting appeal. For this season, I was very much impressed with the design and quality of YSL Rive Gauche, Comme des Garcons by Junya Watanabe, Dries Van Noten, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Mui Mui, Dirk Bikkembergs, Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli. For shoes, I highly recommend YSL Rive Gauche, Casadei, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci and Hogan. When the times get tough, I will still go shopping!

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Send queries and suggestions to joycestalder@hotmail.com