Recession Chic: Don't Fall Into The Diffusion Line Trap

With tough economic times ahead, it would be tempting to succumb to the siren's song of diffusion lines - lower priced lines that supposedly give you a little bit of the designer's particular magic without the four-digit price tag. Some fashion experts are pushing diffusion lines as providing good value for your fashion budget. I don't buy it (either figuratively or literally). You might as well go to H&M or Zara where you get the essence of a seasonal trend without the hideous markup of the designer-branded diffusion line. In fact, in many instances, the quality of Zara garments rival that of many diffusion lines.

'Visa' dress by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Spring/Summer 2009.

At the risk of sounding quite the contrarian, my 'recession-chic' strategy is precisely the opposite. I've opted to lay off my usual formula of mixing mid-range brands with high end purchases in favor of buying only a few key items from top-level designers - quality over quantity if you will. My top picks this year besides my usual beloved Roland Mouret are carefully chosen pieces by Rick Owens and Azzedine Alaia. The common denominator for all three designers is impeccable quality, craftsmanship and timelessness. They're far more likely to hold up both aesthetically and physically than any diffusion line which frequently relies on cheaper fabrics and tend to be less well constructed than a designer's top-level line. I use the term 'frequently' here because I have found that in the case of Rick Owens, the Paris-based designer's second line, 'Rick Owens Lilies', the quality and fit are still exquisite. In fact, where his knits are concerned, I personally see very little difference in quality. Sadly, 'Rick Owens Lilies' seems the exception in this respect. In short, spend your money wisely. Caveat emptor especially where diffusion lines are concerned.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Comments

[WendyB]

Higher quality lasts longer. I have pieces that are 10+ years old. When I could afford the better things, I found that I was able to keep them forever.

[Make Do Style]

Completely agree. I do like the fact that Marc Jacobs put the pop culture into his lines with his cheap items and his Marc by Marc Jacobs does offer great items but on the whole diffusion is a difused everthing including quality.