Why?

Why?

This is the question I am dying to ask Chistopher Decarnin, designer of the highest of the high fashion houses, Balmain. Why are your clothes so expensive? What is really so special about these pieces of clothing? Are they handmade? Are your t-shirts made of rare cotton you personally harvested on Saturn? I truly am very interested in knowing, quite simply, WHY?

For those of you who aren't familiar with the pricing of Balmain's ready-to-wear clothing (sold at oftentimes higher than couture prices), the price tags are astronomical. The pinnacle of my sheer and utter disbelief arose when I was browsing net-a-porter.com one fine afternoon. Now, I would like to make it clear that I stand behind the high pricing of designer clothing (most of the time). I like nice things, and I realize that nice things come at a price... but not this price.

I stumbled upon a t-shirt. An army green, rather passe - in my opinion - oversized, slashed atrocity. The price, a mere $1,625. Let us Canadians keep in mind that these are American prices.

The fun, of course, didn't stop there. Next were a pair of shorts (pictured above) selling for $2,015. I could probably find a nicer pair at J-Crew on clearance for $15.99.

My final example is the "Strong-shouldered shearling motocross" jacket that's currently available for $10,505.

The above mentioned price points are the norm for Balmain. What's also normal is for these pieces of clothing to be sold out within hours of being put on net-a-porter.com.

Another question I have is "who are the people making these insane purchases?!"

I'm actually having a moral dilemma on behalf of these individuals for spending such exorbitant amounts of money on the most trendy clothing available today. Clothing that the fashion world will shun them for if they have the gall to re-wear a piece next season.

I realize that I have just completely bashed, Balmain. I do think, however, that their clothes do have a particular appeal to the fashion set. They are unique designs (other than the basics I have shown here) and have been highly praised within the fashion world. But, please, Balmain, you're embarrassing yourself.