"Bespoke vs Brand: Decoding the Dilemma in a Fast Fashion World"

Model wearing Solitary by Choice

In a world where fast fashion runs wild, a quiet revolution is happening. Independent brands and designers fight every day to make sustainable, well-made clothes. Even unexpected players like Primark are joining in, proudly offering products made from natural materials and embracing preloved fashion.

Now, let's focus on the under-appreciated stars of style: local designers who pour their passion into every piece they create. They make clothes that show off clever design and top-notch quality. But when it comes to talking about prices, things get tough for them. I'm not talking about big-name designers like Alexander McQueen, where you know spending thousands is part of the deal just to say you're wearing their designs.

Luxury and quality is defined by individual perception. A lot of the time you will only deem something luxury because of the price tag or because someone that has a lot of money is wearing it. When you receive an item most people can detect whether the quality is at a high standard by first sight and touch. 

There have been different experiments over the years of lower end brands masking their product to portray luxury by simply homing their items in a temporary store, getting press down, inviting influencers and people that claim to know the luxury market and finally adding a price tag 10 times more than the original price. Once everyone had brought into and shared their opinions on how beautiful everything looks and how well made it is, the secret was revealed.

But why is it when individuals desperately want a bespoke garment made to stand out from the crowd and have it fit their body perfectly then battle with the price using their high street mentality.

I'll tell you why. It is less about the actual garment and more about the brand name attached. Price tags are attached to the brand and although a higher price tag normally indicates better fabric and composition that means nothing without the brand that has built up a name over years of consistency and worldly recognition. 

So, decide what you want. Is it a completely bespoke garment perfectly created for you or simply a name that is recognised by the majority?

Written by: Marina Townsend