last year, i asked some fellow bloggers and designers why they buy indie. this year, i decided to ask a very similar question to people who know first-hand what it’s like to support independent artists. i asked the designers in the clothing menu boutique, “why buy from an independent designer over a mass-market store?” and here’s what they had to say:
a.g. ambroult - “We are living in a crazy consumption-obsessed country and so much is suffering from it. These days, families spend their ‘quality’ time chasing sales, and resources are being depleted in the name of our throw-away culture. Conversely, independent designers do their tiny part by creating quality-made items that are built to last. Many small business owners do their part to use earth-friendly practices, and they help keep the money local, too.”
Fischer Clothing – “To promote innovation, localization (Fischer Clothing is made here in NYC in a small factory that pays fair wages and has high quality standards) and personal style. People are beginning to re-understand the value of ‘investment dressing,’ which basically means carefully choosing well-crafted pieces which are menat to last for decades.”
Truth – “Independent designers usually put a lot of work and heart into what they create! Plus, you get an exclusive piece, instead of thousands of others with your same piece.”
Pattern Recognitions - “You pay for uniqueness while supporting the artists.”
cuttlefish – “Because there is an opportunity to express your individuality more when your clothing and accessories are not mass-produced and on every third person you walk by. There is a certain pride that can be taken in wearing something that you worked hard to find, select, and wear in a way only you can wear it. And a certain pleasure in knowing that not everyone can have it.”
why do you buy from an independent designer?
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It feels great when you know you’re not going to run into someone wearing your same exact look!
I definitely enjoy buying from an independent designer, especially after the purchase you just feel really GOOD about it. The fashion is original, and you just feel the quality on you.
xoxo
Miss Neira
thanks ladies – definitely agree that wearing something unique that you won’t see everywhere else is a huge advantage to buying from an independent designer.
Growing up I was afforded many shopping lessons with my mom. The lessons themselves taught me that shopping is definitely an art that is learned. You learn what you will wear and what you won’t wear. You learn what cuts of clothing are most flattering for you body and what you should run away from. You learn to try things on that you never thought you’d like. You learn to ask yourself questions like, “Would I want this at full price or am I just attracted to this red sticker?” You learn you- your style.
I used to love to come home with a bag full of clothes and happiness over my great deals. I still do, but with much more shopping wisdom.
“Special clothes.”
Those are my key words, now. My closet used to be crowded like life itself. I felt a sort of heaviness of “things” -like I was dragging my closet along with me everywhere I went. Then I discovered the beauty of simplicity. The love of having fewer items, but loving each one more.
I paid $80 for a pair of jeggings (a lot of money for jeggings!), but I don’t regret a single penny. I bought them from a young girl who had just opened a boutique. An entrepreneur and lover of independent designer clothing. My jeggings are quality, and a perfect fit, and I wear them almost everyday. When I put on my jeggings, instead of feeling a closet full of stuff, I remember the excitement of the girl that opened the shop, I feel the kinship as a fellow designer, and I enjoy the comfort of my “go-to” favorites- which no bag of $10 items could ever replace!
So why buy from an independent designer? Because it is adding quality, personality, and community to your closet. It is meaningful and lasting. It is, also, what my mom taught me. And mom’s always right, right?