As you are doing your spring cleaning, you might be going through your closet, drawers and even storage containers to get rid of articles you no longer wear. Time to add a shopping trip to your budget and get a whole new wardrobe — maybe even with some luxury brands to showcase how you have upgraded in the fashion department.
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“Luxury brands often come with high price tags due to their brand name, marketing and exclusivity,” explained Ira Lysa, a fashion designer and owner of Imperial Alterations. “However, these factors don’t always translate into superior quality. Some brands rely heavily on hype, celebrity endorsements and extravagant advertising campaigns, leading to inflated prices without a proportional increase in craftsmanship or materials.”
Before you go and drop a sizable chunk of change on these new outfits, know that some luxury brands do not hold up, even some pretty famous ones that the most savvy shoppers know to steer clear from. GOBankingRates asked some fashion experts to weigh in on luxury clothing brands that aren’t worth the cost. If you see these luxury brands, put them back on the rack!
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Armani
Prive, Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange — all of these are on the “do not buy” list from Angel Tirina, a corporate fashion blogger at Couture Confidant.
“Prive as well as Giorgio Armani products are renowned for their high quality… However, the same cannot be said of Armani Exchange,” Tirina explained, noting the Armani exchange logo t-shirts “are of a dastardly quality; the logo peels and yellows.”
Tirina highlighted how this product is simply an ironed-on logo onto a cheap quality t-shirt, which is emblematic of the quality from this offshoot of Armani.
“We have entered the era where less is more, so fewer logos are best,” Tirina pointed out. “Alternatively, it would be best to invest into a high quality t-shirt; our focus should be on the thickness of the fabric, the material composition and the frame [and] how well this top sits on your body.”
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Burberry
Burberry’s iconic designs have been widely imitated, which has diluted their exclusivity, in the opinion of Chris Laverty, a movie fashion and design expert at Elemental Spot.
“As they’ve increased production to keep up with demand, their quality has unfortunately declined, but their prices haven’t dropped,” Laverty said. “I believe that luxury shoppers are OK with high prices as long as the quality justifies the cost. However, when a brand seems to compromise on quality, consumers start looking for better value elsewhere.”
Versace
The Italian brand — famous for big prints and sleek cuts — might not be worth the cost of the price tag, according to Lysa. “Though many fashion insiders and consumers believe that Versace is overpriced and not worth it, some consider it as a top range luxury product.”
“The fact that the essence of Versace designs may be too flashy and therefore not timeless as some other luxury brands is one of the reasons,” added Lysa, who also raised concerns about the quality of Versace items and their tendency to lose their shape or fall apart after one too many wears.
Balenciaga
Balenciaga has carved a niche in the fashion landscape with its avant-garde designs that push the boundaries of conventional style, according to Mia Anderson, a fashion expert and the founder of Chicsew.
“In essence, when considering Balenciaga’s offerings, it’s essential to weigh the allure of their avant-garde designs against the practicality of their price tags,” Anderson said.
“I admit I have a bag from many years ago, but charging thousands for a distressed, dirty sneaker or T-shirt seems excessive when you can do that to your own sneakers, denim or tee shirts,” agreed Tara West, a fashion stylist and lifestyle blogger.
Balmain
Lysa described Balmain as “a French-based luxury fashion house, which is celebrated for its opulent gold embellishments and masterfully hand-crafted detailing.”
“Yet, many fashion professionals and consumers don’t agree with the idea that Balmain’s high costs are rightly justified,” Lysa shared. “Partly because the brand’s sizing is usually not inclusive for all women. That means that they make clothes only for women with small frames.”
“On the other hand, a lot of Balmain’s clothes are loud or too ‘extra,’ and you are less likely to wear these everyday clothes,” Lysa said.
Louis Vuitton
“Louis Vuitton’s reputation for luxury and craftsmanship precedes it, with timeless designs that have stood the test of time,” said Anderson. “However, concerns have arisen regarding the durability of their signature monogram canvas, prompting us to question whether we’re investing in quality or merely status.”
“While Louis Vuitton products undoubtedly exude luxury and sophistication, some consumers have raised doubts about the longevity of items featuring the iconic monogram canvas,” Anderson explained. “Despite the hefty price tags associated with Louis Vuitton pieces, concerns about durability and wear and tear have led many to reconsider whether these investments truly offer value for money.”
Anderson’s advice to shoppers looking at getting some Louis Vuitton is to “balance the allure of the brand’s prestige with practical considerations about the longevity and value of its products.”
She asked, “Are you investing in a timeless piece that will withstand the test of time, or are you simply paying for the status symbol associated with the LV monogram?”
Gucci
Anderson described how “Gucci’s allure stems from its bold designs and unmistakable logo, which have cemented its status as a fashion powerhouse.”
“In essence, consumers could be paying a premium primarily for the privilege of sporting the iconic Gucci logo rather than receiving unparalleled craftsmanship,” Anderson continued.
Coach
Coach New York, otherwise known simply as “Coach”, is a high-end luxury fashion house based in the United States. It specializes in leather handbags, luggage and accessories, not to mention numerous clothing items that are considered “ready-to-wear.” However, the quality of Coach products might not live up to the brand’s long-standing reputation.
“Known early on for its bags, luggage and fine leather goods, this brand has a high price point but only subpar quality, which, in my opinion, is why it hasn’t been popular for many years,” West stated.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Luxury Clothing Brands That Aren’t Worth the Cost
