The Disposable Fashion Era

   On many counts, I am a huge fan of companies like H&M, TopShop, Zara and Uniqlo for making peoples fashionable style choices more attainable and affordable.  I know that this disposable fashion craze has become almost as fashionable as the major design house collections. Collaborations like: Thakoon for Target, Jean Paul Gaultier for Target, Sonia Rykiel for H&M, Karl Lagerfeld for H&M, Proenza Schouler for Target,Viktor & Rolf for H&M and Jil Sander for Uniqlo (just to name a few) have tried to combine Designer artistry with lower quality materials. I love the idea of it but I am just not sure that it really does anything for the brand image of these designers. Has it cheapened the passion, the hard work and dedication to fashion that these designers have spent years working on? I guess I just haven't seen any of these collective works blow me away. It really hasn't made much sense to me. Michael Kors said it best when he mentioned to the designers and viewers of Project Runway that a designer should never put their name on a t-shirt. When it comes to the designs of clothing, really...anyone can design clothes. It is not rocket science. However, there is an art to creating masterpieces that will stand the test of time. Look at Alexander McQueen, what an amazingly genius mind. The pieces that come waltzing down the runway season after season were like Degas paintings come to life. I truly believe that this 'genius' needs to stay in the place where it was meant to be. Luxury means something so different then it used to. Is it the same if I purchase a Rodarte piece from Barneys NY and a Rodarte collaboration piece from Target? I think that disposable clothing should be what it is...disposable and luxury should remain luxurious. Having said that, I want to make it clear that I really am a fan of places like TopShop, H&M and Uniqlo, as I am a fan of places like Banana Republic and J Crew. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone up to someone and said "Wow, I really love that dress"... and they reply, "Oh, I got it at Forever 21"!!!! There is definitely a place in this world for all types of fashion. I just think they should remain what they are. If you ask me, if these major Fashion Houses want to continue doing collaborations, maybe they should stick together. How about a Jean Paul Gaultier/Jil Sander collection? Or Burberry Prorsum/Vivienne Westwood collaboration? Just keeping it real :)

What is your take on this?

as always thx!

xo