As spring calls for its departure…it’s high time to embrace all-around lawn fever. Seriously a lot is going on…from the designers celebrating their high-profile launching ceremonies to the lawn-maniacs making wish list of their picks along with some low moments resulting from out-of-stock tags on some bestsellers…woh…truly it’s a lot on everyone’s plate!
When I say ‘everyone’ it includes our narrow-minded market-critics also…especially those who are against this designer-lawn trend mainly because of its lofty prices. No doubt, designer lawn is unusually expensive compared to our parents ancient times of Gul-Ahmad, and Al-Karam. And no doubt it’s a great relief that we don't have to stick to our mom-brands any longer…there shouldn't be any hesitation in saying that because of some of our beloved and courageous designers we ‘finally’ got some awesome variety and liberty to pick and choose!
Here I am really glad to say that our desi fashion sense is updating and fortunately our designers have succeeded in generating seasonal collection hype, in terms of their Spring/Summer and Winter arrivals. It might sound redundant but all the mystery, wait, and surprise phenomenon that we are now experiencing with these back-to-back designer launches is globally very well rooted. Having lived in States for more than fifteen years, I can assure that along with seasonal changes, people anxiously await for the release of new collections by their favorite designer-brands, which can range anywhere from everyday shift dress (ex. Zara) to an iPhone case (as Kate Spade).
People are really passionate about their favorite brands and designers. Instead of getting discouraged by their skyrocketed prices, they appreciate their quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. Along with waiting, they also work hard, even do part-time jobs to save and purchase their chosen items…t’s a status symbol! Buying an item by a particular designer signifies that now you have risen a certain level in the society and should continue on this enthralling voyage…
For example, buying a Louis Vuitton (LV) handbag is an every girl’s unspoken wish…even though it’s starting price is $1000+ (i.e. ~PKR 100,000). But still we want it…as it’s worth saving and purchasing…why? No doubt the quality is topnotch, but that’s not the complete truth…its high price and celebrity-spotting makes it even more exclusive and thus our eye candy. Only a LV got the power to instantly transform any mundane pajama-wearing Mom into a high-profile posh lady.
Enough praises for our beloved LV…no doubt it also got the power to derail my writing process…LOL:)
Okay, coming back to our own ‘expensive’ brands as Zara Shahjahan, Sana Safinaz, HSY, Elan, Warda, and etc…glad the list continues…! It’s a pleasing experience that they have also gradually started imitating the best practices set by some world-renowned designer brands, as Tory Burch and Micheal Kors, to name a few. Just like owning a Tory Burch dress, or a Micheal Kors sweater is an achievement—a reflection of someone’s socioeconomic fashion rank, similarly our Paki-brands are also helping us define our fashion status.
To own, wear, and walk in a Zara Shahjahan or Elan lawn suit should be a proud and confident moment as it can make everyone in awe with you. I am really glad and in support of these brands as along with maintaining their quality, they also maintain their exclusivity through price tags and limited availability…because it’s a consented truth that by spending ~PKR 7,000+ on a lawn suit we want to stand-out in a crowd of mundane prints and quality. We want something different! And that's the mindset of their clientele that they are catering to...who don't want what everyone is wearing or is easily accessible!
I still remember the day when I bought my first MK sweater and a Zara dress, it was a defining moment for me…as along with enjoying my saving skills I also appreciated my fashion aesthetics. I felt so proud and confident that it just ignited a chain reaction. My second rise was to save for Tory Burch…and my journey of these collectables still continues! Joining the world of brands is somewhat addictive…but in a healthy way…as it makes you appreciate quality and work hard to rise in the society. You learn to strive for the next best!
Thus, after wearing Elan, Zara Shahjahan, Generation (my favorite), and etc, or at least having one piece by them in wardrobe…not only gives you confidence and rejuvenation, but it also pushes you to maintain or improve your fashion status, rather than going back to an old-neighborhood cut-piece shop.
Having said that, it’s true that lofty price tags by designers and famous brands hinder their availability to the masses, but that’s what they are meant for…brands should not be like corner-store mom-and-pop shops! Instead they need to maintain their charm through limited availability and a little higher than normal prices in addition to exquisite world class quality.
Last but not the least, all my aforementioned comments and arguments can be bottled down in support for our designer collections…and instead of criticizing their prices, we should be supporting them as they are the only driving force behind our recent innovative fashion scene and flourishing market economy.
Thus, my dear ladies, open your arms and embrace the fresh summer breeze with stylish new clothing options and stop criticizing a quality product on affordability grounds. Enjoy them as delicacies and become a part of your favorite designer’s clan! Because at end of the day it’s all about #whomyouarewearing...?
Until next time,
Happy Shopping!
