A Fair Question Worth Answering Honestly
It’s okay to ask whether a designer brand is too expensive, it’s not a condemnatory question to be defensive about. The price of Rick Owens pieces is quite high, but one should try to assess whether this price tag is justified in the first place, but not think that anything that costs much is a rip-off. Cost per wear is one of the more useful objective measures because it takes into account both the price and the actual wear and tear life of the product and is not just the price.The truthful answer is, of course, that this depends greatly on the individual piece and the way it is used in practice – this is something which needs to be explained category by category.
A cost-per-wear is a cost-per-use
The formula for cost per wear is simply the total cost divided by the number of times a garment can be worn practically. A rickowen.us jacket that is worn twice a week for 5 years is very different from a five hundred dollar jacket that was worn twice over the course of the five years and then put into storage. The idea is to get people thinking not just about the price tag, but about what value the product provides over time – and a more fair way of determining if something is too expensive. I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with the conclusions I came to when applying this lens to Rick Owens work, but they were quite different for each category.
Leather jackets are not something that is necessarily cheap
The price of a mainline leather jacket is a thousand dollars, or even more, at a single time, which is quite high. However, quality leather, when well cared for, can last for 10 years or more with daily use, and may even enhance in appearance with use. After wearing it once a week for 10 years, the price of that jacket is relatively modest, compared to the cost of a number of less expensive jackets which will require replacement more often and over the same duration. This is a more obvious example where the initial price is justified under a “cost-per-wear” basis if, in fact, the garment is worn and not simply stowed away.
A weaker value case is a statement piece with a less significant function
A very specific, dramatic statement piece, on the other hand, that is worn only a few times in a year – say at a couple of tournaments – actually only has a weak cost-per-wear argument. If it is kept in a closet for most of its life, it loses a great deal of its usefulness. It’s not so much about the brand and more of a universal rule about any high-dollar, special-occasion outfit.
If the item in question is a dramatic and less versatile item, the buyer should be honest and think of how many times he will wear it before deciding that the price is warranted based on the construction.
The shoes are generally of good value, and they will last a long time with frequent wear
Sneakers and boots from this brand, especially popular, iconic styles, will likely survive the test of cost-per-wear if they are worn regularly as part of a rotation instead of on special occasions. Quality construction ensures they will be able to endure years of regular use, and their design durability ensures that they won’t need to be replaced just because a trend has passed.
However, it is a poor calculation for someone who collects many similar pairs for their own enjoyment as opposed to regular wear.
DRKSHDW – Generally Strong Value at Lower Entry Point
Moderate usage yields a positive cost-per-wear result with DRKSHDW because they cost significantly less than the mainline products, yet have a good construction and design identity. A DRKSHDW hooded sweatshirt or pair of jeans that are worn every day over a couple of years is considered good value, and does not require the 10 year lifespan that leather products need to prove the merits of their initial cost. That’s why DRKSHDW is an excellent value proposition for those who are buying the thing they use every day rather than something to invest for the long term.
As a parent, you know the importance of a quality education
The most just argument is that one used by the buyers who are buying a specific and dramatic article of clothing that they don’t know how to wear very often or that they’re buying just for the prestige. In these instances, price is truly not commensurate with utility, even if the construction is good – the problem is the amount of usage being put on the piece, not the piece itself. It’s important to recognize this situation, even if one does not seek out the brand for its pricey items, only because the materials and workmanship are sound.
This is just a balanced approach to considering the question
So it’s more about how much an individual spends than the brand’s standalone price. Carefully chosen and worn frequently and with care, these pieces have a solid longevity when evaluated by a true cost per wear. If something is purchased out of impulse and worn seldom, it will find it difficult to stand up to nearly any brand’s pricing policy, including this one.
FAQs
Is cost per wear truly a reflection of value?
Yes it does take into account the price and the actual usage of the product, and it provides a more accurate instrument of value than sticker price would.
Do leather jackets from this brand offer a good value in general?
Yes, if they are worn regularly and well maintained, leather should last many years and even get better looking as it ages.
Are DRKSHDW cheaper and better value than mainline pieces?
Yes, if the price of the car is of primary concern, and the convenience of daily operation is also a consideration, then yes. If the car isn’t intended to be used for 10 years, then that’s reasonable.
How can a Rick Owens piece ever be too expensive?
Especially when it is bought for special occasions or status symbols, as it is not very cost efficient if it is not actually worn on a regular basis, no matter how it is made.
Is this the reasoning of cost per wear only for Rick Owens?
No, it’s a rule that applies to all expensive clothing, but it’s especially true for this brand’s prices, which are based on the idea that they can be worn for years without needing to be replaced.