In the promotional products industry, suppliers and distributors work hard to build relationships with one another—trusting that the other half of the relationship cares as much about the product and the end-user as they do.
So how would you feel if you found out that supplier or that distributor wouldn’t even buy its own product? How would you feel as an end-user if you knew the company that made it wouldn’t buy what you’re about to spend your hard-earned money on? How would you feel if you tried something on, asked your friend’s opinion, and she said, “I wouldn’t buy it, but you definitely should”?
Super confident, right?
No, of course not.
And yet, that’s exactly the case with Demna Gvasalia, co-founder and designer for Vetements, the fashion label responsible for the outrageously overpriced, oversized and often (intentionally?) hideous apparel that has become a mainstay of the fashion industry.
In an interview with The Telegraph, he said:
My friends very often can’t afford the clothes. Like myself, I wear prototypes, but I don’t think I’m crazy fashion enough to go and buy those things. I’d rather go on holiday. I feel like it brings more use. Holidays are important. Holidays and quality time on your sofa.
Yes, instead of spending $924 on a Snoop Dogg T-shirt, he’d go on a vacation—and so would we. After all, if this wasn’t the man behind the company that made said T-shirt, who could blame him? But he is that man. And, he’s saying his money is better spent on something other than his company’s shirt.
No matter the reasoning—be it the price, the design, the purpose, etc.—if you’re asking people to buy your clothes or wear your client’s logo, at least respect them enough to put forth a product you could see yourself (or at least someone you know!) buying or wearing.
There’s a lot to be said for authenticity, sincerity and, well, pride in your product.
