So today was the day. The internet crashed…well, maybe not the entire internet lol. If you were a potential customer for the H&M/Balmain collection, then you may have experienced somewhat of a crash. The site seemed to be going down, as I could see various angry posts on Instagram about some customers not being able to check out items in their cart, while some could not even get on the site at all! What a major disappointment for some! That alone made me proud of myself (not really but rather contentment) for the decision that I made.
What decision is that, you might ask. Well, I decided that I would not be a part of Balmain Nation and splurge on any of the items released for sale. Now don’t get me wrong, I do happen to love Balmain but time allows the mind to think and wander. In between the time the collection was introduced to the public and the time that it was actually released (today), I was guaranteed the time to think and really assess my “need” for this collection. Of course, I don’t really NEED anything except life’s essentials but if you are a stylenista like me, you get the point. I thought about how much I really wanted this collection and honestly as my excitement faded, so did my desire for anything in this collection. That brings me to my first point.
In my opinion, most people are paying for the hype of Balmain being at H&M. Yup, I said it. Just think, for those that are still excited about this collection, they are either in line or online waiting to make a purchase on some things that have been hyped up by various different media outlets. Heck, even I have touched on the collection upon first hearing about it. That being said, many are so amped about simply being able to make a purchase and to have a “high end designer” piece in their closet, that this has become their entire focus without even realizing it. The “I have to have this” and “this is limited edition” ideas can cause a frenzy of panicky would-be customers…simply for items of clothing & shoes.
As exclusive as this collection may sound, the reality is that it is not. Too many will have the same ultra-identifiable pieces. Let’s be honest, every single thing in this collection will be so easy to notice as a Balmain item that most of us will get sick of seeing them. As a matter of fact, that in itself will decrease the assumed “value” of the collection for some. Can you truly adhere to your own sense of “style” if everyone is parading around in the same shirt you have on?
Thinking in terms of value, I just cannot fathom the value of Balmain pieces being sold by H&M to the masses matching the great quality of Balmain’s runway/couture pieces. Obviously the quality would be a little less than because of the mass production, but would a shirt that has beading be worth the original price paid if seven months later a bead came off? Looking at the price point, I personally would be upset if I were in the that situation. What would be the resale value of these collection pieces? There is no doubt about the fact that most of these items will make their debut (if not already) on eBay for at least one and a half times the original price point. Some will be desperate enough to still purchase those things but some sellers will be stuck with merchandise they can’t move.
In the coming months, those that loved the pieces of Balmain/H&M but whose pockets could not come to grips with the price points will likely still have chance at the “look”. This is because there will more than likely be enough replicas of the most popular pieces (including shoes) made to go around. Again, if I were in a situation seeing the same item worn everywhere for way less, I’d be a tad bit agitated. As said once before, what becomes of the “value” of items in this collection if you can find a look-a-like anywhere? Now of course replicas don’t take value away from luxury items, but the exclusivity of the look itself is null and void unless the piece is a basic and timeless piece (i.e. Christian Louboutin So Kate). Yes you still will be wearing Balmain/H&M, but how long will that novelty last before the temptation to sell arises?
I saw video and pictures on social media outlets showing the chaotic run to racks to grab coveted pieces. That is another thing that turned me off of wanting to purchase. The sheer frustration of not even being able to get onto the H&M site was more than I was willing to bargain for. I pride myself (although liking particular trendy pieces) on maintaining my own individual style. I decided that while I can incorporate some of the pieces into my closet for my style, I don’t want to be wearing the EXACT same thing so many others are wearing with no chance of building a look because the pieces ARE the look.
I could go on and on with more reasons but this is a post, not a book lol. This post is not meant to put down the H&M/Balmain collection but to merely share a few reasons why I won’t be making a purchase from this collection. What are your thoughts? Did you happen to make a purchase ? If you didn’t want to purchase anything, was there any specific reason why? Please share your thoughts. As always, I welcome conversation. Until tomorrow…
Bye Cupcakes!
