Hallelujah!
Manolo says, the Manolo’s lengthy and exhausting evangelical mission to the world is beginning to pay dividends.
Has the end of the road been reached for the cheap shoe? According to new research conducted by Mintel, over the next five years the number of pairs bought annually in the UK is expected to drop by 7 per cent.
Analysts believe women have wised up to the fact that cheap shoes are uncomfortable and liable to disintegrate at the first sight of a puddle.
So although they might buy fewer pairs, in future, they are likely to save up for more expensive shoes: one-third of women questioned said they now pay more.
Which is exactly the message the Manolo has been preaching to the masses for so many long and arduous years now; years during which the Manolo’s lone voice sounded in the desert, imploring those who would listen to eschew the shoes of cheapness in preference to the super fantastic shoes of quality and value.
And so, this is perhaps the most gratifying thing the Manolo has ever read.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Ironic, then, that the article concludes by basically saying that designer shoes aren’t worth the price tag…
February 15th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Hi, Manolo, it’s me, Beverly.
I thought of you yesterday at a valentine’s day party I threw in New York City. Miss Meghan was there - so of course your name came up. I realized how long it had been and decided to make an appearance. I have been doing the usual whirlwind tour through Asia and Europe designing the next collection. The new spring/summer collection is in and I hope you have had a chance to look at it and that you feel the love.
XOXO Beverly
February 15th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I love my shoes from Target — they are super comfortable and they are in excellent condition, given the fact that I wear them at least once a week. I wish I could remember the brand — well made, sturdy, and $14.99.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:54 am
There’s another reason the cheap shoe (as well as other cheap goods) is dying (From the NY Times, 2/1/08):
“Soaring energy and raw material costs, a falling dollar and new business rules here are forcing Chinese factories to increase the prices of their exports….
“American consumers could see prices increase by as much as 10 percent this year on specific products — including toys, clothing, footwear and other consumer goods….
“In the longer term, higher costs in China could spell the end of an era of ultra-cheap goods….”
“Chinese imports … make up much bigger shares of several popular categories, including about 80 percent of toys, 85 percent of footwear, and 40 percent of clothing.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/business/worldbusiness/01inflate.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&th&emc=th
February 15th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I was thinking recently of Sara Jessica Parker and her Bitten line. (okay, I was looking back on Project Runway challenges — I’m a geek!)
Because she grew up hillbilly poor she wants to bring super-fantastic to the masses at cheap prices. Far better to have a smaller, better-quality line manufactured in those areas so the peoples have jobs. I think. But, I suppose she doesn’t have the capital for that kind of business.
It’s true that sometimes more expensive is not necessarily better made. And, Made in the USA (or Italy, for example) is not necessarily Made in USA (or Italy).
It’s boring of me, I know, but I tend to stick to a brand I find that has good quality and reasonable business practices (like Simple shoes, for instance.) Because I have to order clothes & shoes online, I’m reasonably sure of the fit!
February 15th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I agree with Desertwind - I tend to find a brand I love in terms of the style and the comfort and then I stick to it. And yes, many times, that brand has a high price tag.
The department store diffusion lines, such as Bitten, some of the Target GO designers, Simply Vera et al… you find indvidual items which are real finds, are expressive of that designer and are practical/wearable/comfortable. But you have to sift thoroughly. I rarely find shoes in that category though.
February 15th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I guess whether it is a designer shoe or a cheap shoe, you have to do the research to find out what is good quality, well made, and going to last - but it’s always worth an investment for something good and beautiful.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Except for the flip and flop, I rarely find super cheap shoes comfortable or attractive. However, on the other hand, I can only bring myself to buy the high line designer shoes when I am sad and need a pick up or after the bottle of Merlot has mysteriously emptied. (Thankfully this happens a few times per year!) So today, I had to take my watch for repair at the mall. (Mall-to abuse, to rend and or tear…) I forgot it is the Presidents’ Day sale weekend. 5 pairs of mid line shoes at 50 to 80% off (Spiga, Nine West, Etienne Aigner, Madison Studios, and Aerosoles) later and I felt the need for a cigarette… Ahhhhhh! Afternoon Delight….
February 16th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Dear The Manolo - I could not love you more. Your quest is noble and true. Go forth and continue with the message - the message is gaining momentum in the centrifuge of popular opinion!