I Really Like Your Foundation…

We’ve been pondering the idea of clothing compliments recently. One of our stockists has a theory that you get more compliments on an item that has a print (although our research shows these are the first items you grow tired of too).

Now one of the key principles behind Bento is that our pieces are made to last – in terms of quality, but also style. They are the backbone of your wardrobe. You know, those things that you actually bother to take to the tailor, fit perfectly, wash/dryclean carefully, have them forever and go with everything. With this in mind, the styles need to be effortless and timeless. Think Audrey Hepburn’s infamous Breakfast At Tiffany’s black frock that virtually any woman would give her entire wardrobe to own.

If you draw an analogy with makeup, Bento is foundation. Beautiful foundation that wears well and is the perfect shade doesn’t date. In an ideal world however, no one should even know you’re wearing foundation. So seamless, flawless and glowing you appear it just seems that you’re radiant with health and good genes.

We’ve heard it said that to remark that you like a person’s attire is a slightly backhanded compliment. After all, doesn’t such a statement indicate the item itself is wearing the person rather than the other way around? Likewise, to say you really like a woman’s foundation would be to suggest that it’s noticeable. A far more serious compliment would be to simply say they look amazing. Or that they have great style.

So do you really want someone to say they like the staple items in your wardrobe? Or should they just exist to make you look good?