Yes to all of this. Just last week I interviewed Elyce Arons and the team at Frances Valentine for an upcoming print piece, and this was such a big theme of our conversation. The most compelling brand revivals don't come from chasing the next thing, but rather from rediscovering what made them worth loving in the first place. Also, J.Crew totally got me with the reissue campaign. So much so that the gingham café capris arrived on my doorstep yesterday 😂.
What an ultimate dream to interview Elyce Arons and the team from Frances Valentine; I love that brand so much! So glad to hear this resonated with you, Madeline. How are those gingham café capris? They remind me of the old school Minnie pant from back in the day.
You are totally right on this, Sogole! It totally applies to personal style as well. Something I always strive for as well, never wanting to be a carbon copy of anybody else.
We are living in the age of authenticity! (Given that so much of what we come across is…not.) love this deep dive into brands with rich archives - nothing better than a pov honed over centuries!
That's why we are all constantly looking to buy vintage pieces, the craftsmanship was excellent and every piece was so unique. I love that brands are going back to their roots. And I do agree that RL is one of the few brands that has stayed true to its essence.
I sell handbags and accessories. There is still a market for a well designed handbag at the $200-$400 level for a (sorry) middle aged woman. I know, because she can't find what she's looking for. Who knew zippers were going extinct!
Kate Spade's strength was clean lines, practicality, color/pattern and a touch of whimsy. I'm sure the industry is rooting for a revival of this brand, like they've rooted for Coach.
Pam, you are so right that the industry has yet to crack the handbag and accessories market at the moderate price point. We are starting to make headway with the Coach revival, but there is still so much to explore in other brands.
You hit Kate Spade's strengths right on the nose, and one of the reasons why I continue to love "the sam" style so much. Rooting for this revival!
Great summary! I think the question of what makes brands different when every product is the same is a big one. In the world of social media, what is the path to distinction when most consumers are just chasing trends.
Thank you so much, Milana! It's the constant question I ask myself repeatedly week after week in my job and as a consumer. That's why having a unique POV will give you such a competitive edge over others.
I WANT TO JOIN YOU! Is it weird that the history nerd in me is whispering, "History always repeats itself"? This was super cool, Evonne. Authenticity never goes out of style.
I've always been drawn to Ralph Lauren and now I know why. They're so solid in their brand that its consistency has kept me a customer for years! Now I'm going to start doing that with my own wardrobe, because right now I cannot say the same..
I remember that J.Crew daisy print so vividly, it was like déjà vu when they brought it back! Nostalgia is so powerful, but it takes real skill to make it feel modern. Another great deep dive Evonne!
Yes to all of this. Just last week I interviewed Elyce Arons and the team at Frances Valentine for an upcoming print piece, and this was such a big theme of our conversation. The most compelling brand revivals don't come from chasing the next thing, but rather from rediscovering what made them worth loving in the first place. Also, J.Crew totally got me with the reissue campaign. So much so that the gingham café capris arrived on my doorstep yesterday 😂.
What an ultimate dream to interview Elyce Arons and the team from Frances Valentine; I love that brand so much! So glad to hear this resonated with you, Madeline. How are those gingham café capris? They remind me of the old school Minnie pant from back in the day.
I just learned SO much, thanks for sharing this!
Thanks so much, Stephanie. So glad to hear you are back!
I know you wrote this from a merchant POV but I also read it from a personal style POV and it hits both ways x
You are totally right on this, Sogole! It totally applies to personal style as well. Something I always strive for as well, never wanting to be a carbon copy of anybody else.
We are living in the age of authenticity! (Given that so much of what we come across is…not.) love this deep dive into brands with rich archives - nothing better than a pov honed over centuries!
So well said, Lindsay. A POV honed over centuries is the ultimate flex.
That's why we are all constantly looking to buy vintage pieces, the craftsmanship was excellent and every piece was so unique. I love that brands are going back to their roots. And I do agree that RL is one of the few brands that has stayed true to its essence.
Vintage > than everything else. Could not agree more, Natalia!
I sell handbags and accessories. There is still a market for a well designed handbag at the $200-$400 level for a (sorry) middle aged woman. I know, because she can't find what she's looking for. Who knew zippers were going extinct!
Kate Spade's strength was clean lines, practicality, color/pattern and a touch of whimsy. I'm sure the industry is rooting for a revival of this brand, like they've rooted for Coach.
Pam, you are so right that the industry has yet to crack the handbag and accessories market at the moderate price point. We are starting to make headway with the Coach revival, but there is still so much to explore in other brands.
You hit Kate Spade's strengths right on the nose, and one of the reasons why I continue to love "the sam" style so much. Rooting for this revival!
Great summary! I think the question of what makes brands different when every product is the same is a big one. In the world of social media, what is the path to distinction when most consumers are just chasing trends.
Thank you so much, Milana! It's the constant question I ask myself repeatedly week after week in my job and as a consumer. That's why having a unique POV will give you such a competitive edge over others.
Yes &, does a unique POV even matter of you align only to the trends in the social universe.
I WANT TO JOIN YOU! Is it weird that the history nerd in me is whispering, "History always repeats itself"? This was super cool, Evonne. Authenticity never goes out of style.
Get in, girl; we're going shopping! You are 100000000% correct; authenticity will never go out of style.
I've always been drawn to Ralph Lauren and now I know why. They're so solid in their brand that its consistency has kept me a customer for years! Now I'm going to start doing that with my own wardrobe, because right now I cannot say the same..
He’s a legend for a reason. You can’t rival an archive like his and I’m so glad you agree.
You're my favorite fashion news resource. And I lol'd at, "Is it an elevated flip flop?"
Will always love bringing you the fashion news and jokes with a bite 😊
I remember that J.Crew daisy print so vividly, it was like déjà vu when they brought it back! Nostalgia is so powerful, but it takes real skill to make it feel modern. Another great deep dive Evonne!
I am a sucker for daisies. I'd take that print in anything and everything. Thanks so much, Fanny. Always appreciate your kind words.