Almost everyone’s initial reaction to my freshly purchased Raf Simons Patched Jersey Top was served with a side of muted judgment questioning my spending habits. It is an atypical piece snatched from the very final sale of Barney’s New York, one even the sales associate said the styling of the garment was “up to interpretation.”
Frankly, wearing it was the last thing I had in mind when purchasing this ambiguous jersey. Somewhere between a carefully architected piece and an impromptu design of patched up leftover fabric, the whole concept was so ridiculous and overwhelmingly Raf to pass, so I invested in it.
Perhaps invest is not a fitting term for it indicates a return of investment, which is possible for those who think like unofficial fashion buyers, aiming to resell the pieces at a higher value, practicing the craft of trend forecasting. Nevertheless, that’s not why people who collect pieces do what they do as they don’t give much thought to selling their garments down the road. The mind of a shopper operates by the motive behind an intended purchase, which remains unique to each case.
The most fundamental excuse to go shopping originates from need, either a worn-out wardrobe or a demanding event on the horizon. Next comes the desire to impress, which is not to be confused with shopping for an occasion like a job interview, for one solely indulges in this type of purchase hoping to attract scrutiny, investing in generic high-end pieces like a Louis Vuitton bag or Hermes slippers. The elevated version of this shopper mentality explores underground options but not to the point of losing the mainstream appeal, like Maison Margiela Tabis. Not everyone will recognize these items the way they would a Louis Vuitton bag, but the unofficially targeted audiences will take notice. The final reason people shop is a genuine appreciation of craftsmanship; these are the individuals who view fashion as the most interactive form of art.
Investing in pieces differs from acquiring high-end labels; it's akin to buying contemporary art from up-and-coming artists. Designer garments are made to impress, while pieces are acquired to be owned, not necessarily worn or displayed. So, what sets a “piece” apart from its equally pricey high-end counterparts? Primarily, its exclusivity and sustainability. A piece is rare and often comes with a story behind its design, giving it personality. For example, a Gucci belt does not qualify as a piece, but ’90s Comme des Garçons does.
Not everyone buys pieces for the same reasons. Some view it as an investment, like diversifying their portfolios, while others see it as buying art, and some view it as another tool to support and maintain their alternative personality.
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