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A Big Question
Ever since my first week writing this blog, I’ve been asking you for your input.
Readers of this blog helped choose our sizing system.
Readers of this blog decided what fabric we’d use to line our clothes.
You even selected images for our first lookbook.
So now I’m coming to you again and asking for your opinion. Why? Because Bento isn’t about me. It’s not about the designer or the brand. It’s about you. It’s about the people that make it and wear it, so it’s important that you have a say in these things.
Now it’s no secret that Bento is all about ethical and sustainable fashion. The reason I keep working to make Bento a success is for one simple reason:
To provide the world with clothing that is both luxurious and sustainable – in terms of style, people and environment.
As far as I know, Bento is the only label in the world that does this. Some are luxurious. Some are sustainable in terms of some elements (but not all three). I don’t know of another that has the same ethos as us.
As 2011 draws to a close and 2012 is upon us, I have the following very big question to ask you. It’s just one question, but it will require some thought. And if you read this blog, I genuinely hope you care enough to contribute.
Bento items are typically priced as follows:
T Shirts $75 – $195
Knits $195 – $295
Skirts $245 – $295
Jackets $495+
Dresses $395+
Denim $195 – $345
Shorts $245 – $295
Trousers $395 – $445
I’m not going to justify these prices. What I am going to ask you is this very big question…
What would you need to get to invest that kind of money in an item?
Fit? Longevity of style? Origin of manufacture? Care? Tailoring? Bespoke detailing? Quality of workmanship and fabric? A maid to dress you in the item? I don’t care how outrageous it is. I don’t care if your initial response is “I can’t afford to spend that much” – you live in the Western World. You have this sort of money, you just can’t justify it based on your experience with clothing to date.
Men, women, old and young – I want to hear from you!
Great question Sam!
I’m a big believer in sustainable fashion and believe in a small wardrobe of beautiful things that are good quality and make you feel great. Although I generally wear vintage or at the least, second hand, when I buy new I’m happy to pay a high price as long as the item is of a design and quality that means I will get to wear it for many years.
Easy answer – superb quality and perfect fit for tailored items.
I’m happy to pay for my the ‘foundation’ peices in my wardrobe. ie The skirts/pants/shorts/dresses that always just ‘work’ no matter what I add to them. So, this usually comes down to the cut of the item and therefore how it hangs/sits on my body. (And its pretty important that they look as good as new every time I wash/dry clean them). I like them to be lined, but don’t care about prints/patterns on the lining, nor am I fussy about swing tags etc … just in case you wanted to know what I ‘don’t’ need them to be!!! Great Question Sam.
happy new year excellent blog keep walking!
http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com
definitely fit type of fabric and origin of manufacture.
Great question Sam – you sure do know how to tackle the big ones!
Tricky as it is, I consider many of the things you’ve mentioned here. Most I also take into account the ethos of the brand in general, where/how it was made but above whether or not it suits my aesthetic and if I can see myself getting a really good amount of wear out of it and ensuring the garment maintains good quality. This is down to the construction and materials. Bento ticks all of these boxes – which is why I’m a big fan!
I think we’ve established I’m happy to pay for Bento (let’s just take a look in my wardrobe), but for the record my priorities in selecting a garment are these:
1. it was produced ethically
2. on balance, for that garment, the environmental impact was considered and the best solution to produce the garment found.
3. quality – it has to last
4. style – not faddish and fits
5. if you get all those right you can charge what you do (and more) – it’s basic price-per-wear, but with values attached. Truth is with my values, I find it incredibly hard to shop, and a label like Bento is a godsend.