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For anyone's who's ever had the sneaking suspicion that the fashion industry's movers and shakers are horribly out of touch with the real world—i.e. non-fashion people, the middle class, the working class, people who need shoes that they can walk places in, people whose rents cost less than the latest Prada handbag, etc. etc. etc.—today's WWD has a super-fascinating survey of what designers and industry execs consider "cheap."
What do you consider "cheap?" Michael Kors says New Balance sneakers: "New Balance sneaker — chic, practical and timeless. It’s my regular go-to sneaker." New Balance sneakers range from about $35 on sale to upwards of $130.
Linda Fargo, senior VP of fashion at Bergdorf Goodman says cheap is Havaianas and drugstore self-tanner: "'Cheap thrills'—it's not just an overused expression! It's that satisfying feeling you get when you happily part with a little bit of cash for things which have disproportionately more value than price, like summertime mussels, Havaianas and drug-store self-tanner." Havaianas flip-flops run about $14 on sale upwards of $35.
Ken Downing, senior VP and fashion director of Neiman Marcus has a different take: "At Neiman Marcus we have Fab Finds, which are great deals! Great design, amazing quality, at a price that puts a smile on the customer's face. My favorites this season: Lanvin leopard jersey dress, $990, and from Narciso Rodriguez, olive knit silk and Lycra dress, $850." Yeah, okay.
· Value judgments: fashion insiders define "cheap" [WWD]
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