I really love the Wall Street Journal. If you had told me ten years ago that I would ever write those words, I probably would have laughed at you. But it’s true. When Craig was in the middle of his MBA program he subscribed to it and I have been hooked ever since. My high school econ teacher would be so proud. (shout out to you Mr. Zehnder!) Anyways, last weekend I read an article in the review section about Art and it’s power to help us deal with life’s challenges. It was probably the best piece on art I’ve ever read, (including all those essays I read for humanities in college-blah.) mostly because it said what I’ve always wished someone would say, that art can have more of a purpose than just art for art’s sake. That it can do more than just enrich our lives, that it can have a therapeutic effect on them, that it can help us deal with everyday challenges, the same as literature and music. The entire article is really beautiful, and I highly suggest reading it if you have ten spare minutes (or even if you don’t). About half way through, he touches on a subject I would love to talk about today, because he articulated something that I’ve believed in, and been chasing for awhile now, and something that I think has been lost in our society, and it’s really quite a shame.
While discussing Adriaen van Utrecht’s “Banquet Still Life,” the author (Alain De Botton) touches on the value of consumerism. Consumerism has become such a nasty word in our society, “a stick with which to beat the modern world” as he puts it, and really, the way our society approaches it, it’s no wonder, when all we want is more, more, more. He sheds a different light on the subject, one that struck a cord within me. De Botton writes, “…consumerism doesn’t have to be stupid. At its best, the word refers to a delight in human ingenuity and an appreciation of the vast achievements of labor and trade.” He goes on to talk about the painting and what it took to create a feast during that time period. How people appreciated what it took to get a lobster on your table, the miracle of having lemons up north. How the pursuit of those things brought abundance and stability to the world. “Today,” he writes, ” we are so afraid of greed that we forget how honorable the love of material things can be. In the 17th century, homage was still paid to the nobility of commerce–a concept that boredom and guilt have made less accessible to us… A good response to consumerism might be not to sacrifice these pleasures and live without lobster and lemons but to appreciate what really goes into providing them. Our desire to have luxury cheaply is the real problem. If the route to your table were dignified and ethical at every stage, a lemon would cost more, of course. But maybe then we’d stop taking lemons for granted and find their zest all the keener.”
When I decided to start a clothing line a little over two years ago, the thing that I wanted the most was to make a really fantastic quality product, and I wanted to do it in a way that I felt proud of. I wanted to work with the best, and I wanted to pay them what they were worth. I knew I could never feel proud of a product I created if I knew it came at the expense of someone else. No person is less valuable than any other, and I knew that as a mother and a human being I would never be able to turn my head and profit off of someone else’s cheap labor. I believe in value and I don’t mind paying for it. Even if it means I have less. I understand exactly what goes into making a great garment (any one who knows how to sew, understands that no t-shirt is just a t-shirt.) Every piece you put on your body is the result of hours and hours of work and obsession. Of design, fit, fabric and physical labor. Every piece of clothing is truly a masterpiece, and kind of a miracle too. We’re so used fast fashion, cheap faddish clothes that are made–even meant to wear out quickly, that we forget what quality really is, and why there’s value in it. We’re so used to machines and cutters and automated processes, we forget about how far we’ve come, that at one time fabric was hand woven, and clothing sewn one stitch at a time. I knew, when I began this journey, that the only way I could do it, was if I found other people who felt the same way I did, that a well-made piece of clothing is a miracle and a masterpiece. And that every piece should earn it’s place in your closet and then hold it’s own for many years. This is why we work and design and manufacture everything right here in the USA, because to me quality always trumps quantity. To requote, De Botton, “If the road to your [closet] were dignified and ethical at every stage, [clothing] would cost more, of course. But then maybe we’d stop taking [the pieces we wear] for granted and find their [beauty] all the keener.” If that sound idealistic, so be it. I’d rather be an idealist.
Find the full WSJ article here.
Skirt: Corilynn. Button up: Old Navy. Top: JCrew Factory. Shoes: BCBGeneration (old. similar.). Necklace: J Crew(similar). Ring: TJMaxx. (similar.)
I admit I have wondered why your product was more expensive, not in a bad way but a strategic-i-have-to-save-for-months way. I love that you addressed this — so many people hide behind their product. I respect you and your product more now, (cheers to you!!) and hopefully soon I can make my first purchase of your amazing work. I love your blog and your sweet little family and I also love the WSJ. Go us!
You just put in clarity what often goes through my mind! Great commentary on how we need to go forward.
cathy
I love this! My mother has been a seamstress all her life and I remember her always stopping (no matter where she was) to appreciate things like good stitching, hand embroidery and intricate beading. She would go on to say that people have forgotten how to appreciate those things and instead just want replicas as cheap as possible.
Thank you for the reminder that appreciating and even loving beautiful things is not a bad thing.
Definitely some good food for thought there!! I totally agree.
As for the art… I fully believe that. The emotions that art can elicit are amazing. I am a nature photographer by hobby. (Do not judge my abilities by my blog photos, those are so hard to do myself!!) The thrill and flutter I get in my heart when I see beauty in a painting, photograph, etc. is indescribable.
~Cheryl
http://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com/
This is an amazing article and I love your perspective on it. Your attention to detail and quality are what I love so much about my skirt and what sets your brand apart.
Great points! I just read an article today that the garment industry in Bangladesh was doubling its monthly wages to – $68 a month! And people think I’m nuts when I strive to “Buy American” whenever possible, but it’s the addiction to fast fashion that’s literally killing people. Conditions can’t be safe if a company is pumping out products that cost less than a coffee and bagel. Costs have to be cut somewhere and that’s why I’ll gladly pay more for a product that provides a decent wage to those who made it.
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com
We have to keep in mind that the cost of living is different for different country. $68 seems very little to us but it might be a lot of money for a family in Bangladesh. I wouldn’t just generalize “cheap labor” and compare the labor cost to the ones we have here in the US. Also, I think that just because a garment is made outside of the USA doesn’t mean that it’s automatically “cheaply made”. The same goes for garment made in the USA. The more expensive price tag doesn’t always mean that the clothing is of better quality. I also sew myself and I certainly understand the time and effort that goes into making each piece of product. But someone from Bangladesh can equally spend as much time and effort in sewing a piece of clothing.
Thanks for the comment and the email letting me know it was still in moderation. I tried to email you back but it came back undelivered. Not sure if there was a typo with your email address? I had already left on a date with my husband on Friday when you left the comment and approved it on my phone. Unfortunately, my phone is a little glitchy and the comments don’t always go through properly. I didn’t notice. Thanks for letting me know that yours didn’t, I went back and found it in my comment section (where I also found another stuck in moderation) and have gone ahead and posted it. I only moderate comments in order to protect my kids and to moderate out any spam or comments that may be blatantly inappropriate. Gratefully I have fantastic readers, so this rarely happens. I don’t have any problem with people having differing opinions from me. I’m sure you noticed that someone else in the comments section disagreed with me, and it doesn’t bother me at all. I think intelligent and respectful debate is an important part of society. I appreciated your comment and found it very relevant.
I agree, I don’t think the US is the only place that makes good quality clothes or fabric. In fact, some of our fabric is sourced out of Canada. Canadian mills make beautiful, superior fabric, and I’ve been very impressed with them, the same could be said of Italy and Japan. I’ve also found that there are places within the US that turn out substandard products. We don’t work with them. I look for the very best; that’s who I choose to work with. I also understand the basic Ricardian economic model of comparative advantage upon which modern globalization is built. In a perfect world, it makes great sense for a country with a lower cost of living to perform low-skilled high touch labor. This is their comparative advantage with other countries. And sometimes, it does work this way. However, we don’t live in a perfect world, and as I’ve discovered through both research and personal experience, often these 3rd world labor markets are a breeding ground for corruption, deception of their first world clients and exploitation of laborers, as well as the environment. Furthermore, in these markets, especially the apparel industry, quality is also often sacrificed for profit. Clothing is made, even intended to wear out fast, something in the industry we call planned obsolescence. In other words, your clothes are meant to wear out quickly so you have to buy new ones.
When I wrote the post, I was simply trying to shed light on why we decided to produce our clothes the way that we do. When we began this journey over 2 years ago, I had no idea the kind of things that go on “behind the curtain” in the clothing industry. How many people turn their heads and ignore what’s happening to the people sewing their clothes in 3rd world countries, especially Bangladesh. It’s not just about how much the workers are paid, (although I don’t believe they are making enough even with a lower cost of living) it’s also about the kind of working conditions these people are subjected to. I find the labor practices in these 3rd world countries (specifically Bangladesh) to be deplorable. I’m sure you are familiar with the garment factory collapse in Bangladesh that killed more than 1,000 people just six months ago. And it’s not an isolated incident. People are dying all the time in these countries because the owners refuse to build their factories to code, and neither the brands who employ the factories nor the government do anything to hold them accountable. The problem with our world is that people are willing to turn their heads for a profit. These companies know what’s happening, but because they have plausible deniability, they ignore it. Ignoring the realities of the working conditions in the factories producing their clothes means a higher profit for them. I know that I am just a tiny little clothing line, and that I can’t change the entire industry, but I do know that I don’t have to feed the problem. I believe that sacrificing someone else’s safety, and God-forbid their life, for a profit is morally wrong, and I could never ever do that. Having our clothes made in the USA means I can assure the people working on them are being paid a reasonable wage and have safe and ethical working conditions. Here’s a link to an article on Bangladesh’s current garment industry conditions: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/24/opinion/bangladesh-garment-workers/ I found it to be extremely interesting.
You just put my thoughts to words perfectly!! I wish others felt this way too! To add, another disheartening fact is to see true artists like yourself be copied and knocked off by others who either lack the ability or the integrity to just “make a quick buck!” There needs to be more ownership and pride in what is done in the business world. Thank you for sharing! I love your product and your ethics!
“We forget what quality is and why there’s value in it”- perfectly stated. Thanks for sharing your insight !
Love this post! This is why I keep coming back to read your blog daily! You always have such wonderfully written posts, no matter how simple, and a beautiful outlook on life! And this is why I am saving for one of your fantastic skirts, totally worth it knowing the love and care that goes into each piece. Keep up the good work and appreciation for the “finer” things in life!
Love your post! I understand your comments on actually paying for the quality of things we purchase. I love making smocked clothes for my kids but it takes lots of hours. Whenever I see smocked clothes for less than $50, I don’t understand because it takes hours of hand (not machine) stitches to make the design on the front. So, I don’t mind buying a few outfits and paying the price. When I hear other moms complain at the cost, I educate them on the time it takes to make and offer to teach them if they really want smocked clothes. I could go on but I’ll get off my soapbox now. ;)
I love your blog and your skirts! I hope to add one of your skirts to closet but which one? :)
I love that skirt … does your store ship to the UK or is it US only?
Laura xx
P.s. I am hosting a $75 Shopbop Gift Card giveaway on Stylelixir this week … You can enter here, if you fancy your chances :)
http://stylelixir.com/2013/11/style-sessions-fashion-link-up-down-to-earth-win-a-shopbop-gift-card.html
I know some companies that have their garments made in countries like Peru or Guatemala and give back to charities in the same countries. Or make sure to pay their employees as fair amount. Those countries are also in great need and if someone can help instead of taking advantage then why not help.
My sister’s a wedding gown designer and seamstress, so I obviously admire your work.
Just wanted to point out that one way to do things it’s not always the only way :)
I completely agree. Going US made is the best option for us and our brand but I completely respect companies that create quality and pay their workers a fair wage no matter where that is. Thanks for the comment!
I found this post via Mrs. American Made on Facebook. This is a fantastic post and I really appreciate your view on the topic! I started buying American Made about two years ago, and now I am very focused on buying quality clothes that last years rather than months. I will be sharing this post! I’ll also be adding you to my site’s American Made clothing directory here: http://www.beadsandbrass.com/american-list-clothes/.
I just want to add that I don’t think your prices are extravagant. More than H&M for sure, but inline with prices I would pay for quality clothing.
Girlfriend, you hit the nail on the head. As a painter, I know exactly how hard it is to get people to understand the price of your merchandise. You’ve got a great thing going, and I truly admire your work ethic and your high standards! xo
Cori, I have mentioned this before in a previous comment, but I just love your blog. I love your style, your pictures, and your anecdotal writings. I am just getting started blogging myself, but you are a huge inspiration. I am even going to visit my local Goodwill to hopefully repurpose some new-to-me items. You’re probably thinking, “Ok, weird, stalkerish lady,” but I just had to let you know. :-)
Tracy
http://Itsmostlyaboutfashion.blogspot.com
I now have a reason to love your line even more. :)
http://www.asequinloveaffair.com
Cori, you said so well what I have believed for a long time. Thank you for sharing your philosophy, your thoughts, the WSJ article, and of course, your amazing talent for creating beautiful clothing.
Kay
Love that you wrote all about this. It’s clear you have a passion, and that makes me admire and love you even more.
We had to subscribe to the WSJ when I took Finance 101…it is a good paper. The conservative slant may offend many with today’s prevailing (and unfortunate) mentality, but not me. ;)
While it is true that buying quality items that cost a lot and last is good for consumers, it isn’t as good for producers because people don’t have the need or resources to constantly buy. I think our economy now depends on people CONSTANTLY needing and buying new things. I don’t know what to do about that now that we’re so far into it with globalization and such.
As for you and other small business owners, I have no problem with you charging a lot for your work as it is nice to have some true quality items mixed in with the ubiquitous disposable ones. It helps families get by while keeping our current system moving…
Not only does it help families get by, but it gives them a sense of pride and purpose which is just as important (if not more) as the economic gains they may receive from running their own business, I am sure.
I loved every part of this! Thanks for sharing!
Hi,
I’m curious the J CREW shirt is what size?? I just never bought anything from that store and am curious :) Thanks!
I always order XXS from J Crew and I love the way it fits.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! As a student studying consumer trends and fashion I’ve realized this can’t be more true. Wanting something nice shouldn’t make us feel guilty or shameful, it should make us appreciate the steps it took for someone to make it and not stoop to just any level to get our hands on it. Also, I’ve seen my dad run a business for over 10 years or so and you are doing it right by paying them what they deserve! He is that same kind of boss, and let me tell you the work loyalty he gets has made his business another family. People these days are so apt to jump from job to job but it’s not because they’re greedy people for doing so, it’s because they are underappreciated and overworked. When you give them a good environment to grow in at work and outside of work, you can only foster good things. Good and you, never second guess your decisions! :)