Today’s economy and your image: What should I invest in, major label department store designer or custom handmade emerging designer?

          Let’s get down to it, I know it’s uncommon for a custom clothing designer to give his clients tips on getting more swagger out of your dollar reminding them that we are still in a recession, but let’s examine this issue together as to how this economic downturn impacts both you and I as to our goals, objectives, and challenges in living an fulfilled satisfying life.
          We all remember the hay days of economic abundance throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s that got us accustomed to looking our best through the latest in high-end fashion and grooming. Now we have been in most cases impelled to downsize our lifestyle and simplify our spending habits, keeping in mind that looking our best and having an up-to-date image should be the last thing on the list to go, and here is why:

          Your image is even more important now than it ever was back then. Your image is the forerunner to your person, talents, abilities, and passions that goes before you announcing your arrival wherever you go. What is your image saying about you? Now that overall opportunity in life has become increasingly fleeting, you can’t afford to miss out based on what your image is or isn’t saying about you. It’s even more, having a high-end fashion forward up-to-date image projects success giving you the competitive advantage over those who have let themselves go this area of their lives. So you see having the right up-to-date look customized to say what you want is not only practical, but valuable, and ever more important.

          Now that we have established that in this economy when the difference between the “haves,” “wish they hads,” “and the have nots,” is becoming increasingly visually evident, investing in your image is an investment you cannot afford to neglect. Which choice contains a better ROI for your goals and budget: A mass produced name recognizable designer piece or a custom-made emerging designer garment?

Let’s look at this from various aspects:

The cost vs. value comparison, the impact on your image, and the longevity standpoint- the length of time your designer piece is valid for in keeping you up-to-date.

           In either case when you are employing your “image” dollars in a department store mass produced designer or an emerging custom handmade designer you can expect to invest around the same amount of money, give or take either way. In the case of the mass produced designer label you are paying for the recognizable name of that designer and the look or latest trend associated with that current line. In the case of the emerging custom handmade designer piece or accessory you are paying for the time and effort put into designing and hand-making of that piece custom, and in the end a look made to say, “me,” who “I” am, and what “I” am about. Now which item is more cost effective and with the larger value?

Our answer is option #2 and here is why:

          Again with cost in either case being relatively the same in that you are paying for high-end, but the effectiveness of that cost is much greater in the emerging designers’ custom handmade piece is illustrated for you in the following scenario:

          Wendy needs to update her business office wardrobe to project the moving ahead fashion forward image that gets her noticed on her job and also positively influences her clients’ buying decisions. So she has the amount of $350 budgeted for this update.

          In example #1 she goes to Neimen Marcus and purchases a sleek and eye popping latest trend black business suit that says, “look at me I’m up-to-date with the latest designer fashion for this season.” However, with all her budget spent on this one suit, how is she going to accessorize with the latest matching trend? How can she get away with wearing the suit more than once every three weeks or so without everyone noticing at thinking that it is all she has in her worn-out wardrobe? It’s not like she can wear it to the office one day then change into it right before seeing her clients on days two and three. Even as amazing as Wendy is, she can’t change like Wonderwomen from one moment to the next! Even if she were Wonderwomen she would need a wonder drycleaner to wisk away the wonder oder resulting from wearing her trendy designer major label suit everyday! It’s clear that in this case the cost is equal, but the effectiveness of that cost is limited to say the least!

          Example 2: Wendy decides to put her image dollars into a handmade custom accessory from an emerging designer in the photo to your left. Look at the photo and ask yourself: When Wendy goes to work the next day is anybody going to notice that she has on a dated black business blazer? No, because they are too distracted by the huge real gemstone with large freshwater pearls embellishing her custom-made never-seen-before lapel scarf! What is going to get her noticed more and have a greater impact? In our first example everyone would notice a name brand suit, but all to often it is even overlooked and not commented on. Now in example two, who isn’t going to comment and ask about this custom unique accessory? Almost everyone Wendy sees will ask about it. Then Wendy proceeds to tell them how she discovered this fab new emerging designer artist and how she had this piece custom made in her favorite colors and her choice of real gemstone adornments. Wendy now sounds very knowledgeable, important, and influential. A woman who knows who she is, where she is going, and she looks extremely successful with a posh opulent look. Wendy is now viewed as a trendsetter, not a trend follower, a leader! By the way, does she even need any other jewelry with this look? No, all the jewelry is included. How is that for value and impact? Wouldn’t you agree that cost is very effective in this case?

          Now, about longevity, our aspect #3. Let’s say that Wendy continues to highlight her major label designer trendy business suit and suddenly, it’s NEXT SEASON! DUN DUUUN DUNNNN! Can she even continue to wear it without people thinking, “Wow that look was so last season, I wonder if she picked it up at a local second hand store.” Is that the image that you want to project? In example #2 with Wendy and her custom designer lapel scarf, if she decides to wear it two days in a row can she do that? Of coarse she can! It’s an accessory! Even if she doesn’t want to wear it two days in a row but still wants to show it off to her day two and three business clients, can she do that? Of coarse she can! She can carry it in her purse and put it on prior to her appointments! See the versatility, and she doesn’t even need a “Wonder drycleaner!" Now the big question you have been thinking I was trying to stall in answering: Can she bring her custom look into next season without looking outdated? Yes she can, because it doesn’t say, “Last season,” it says, “Wendy,” it’s as unique as she is. It’s on a totally different plain than the here today gone tomorrow mainstream trend in our first example.

          Your custom handmade piece says what you want it to say, it’s custom! For a look as timeless as you are! So take Wendy’s advice, invest your image dollars in this economy wisely, in terms of cost to value, image impact, and longevity, think Savvy! Think custom handmade emerging designer accessories with real gem adornments! Order your Very Savvy collection garment today!

Credits: Featured j-na site http://www.j-nacustomgsb.com/ Cover Model Lacaya Gilmore http://www.modelmayhem.com/caya Caya913@yahoo.com, also features Lakenya Farmer lakenya.cherie@gmail.com Photography by www.lmjphotog.com/ Makeup Artist Auns http://www.modelmayhem.com/liplashes

Fashion/Trunk Show Zhoub Art Gallery

A great turn out to our Trunk Show at Zhoub Art Gallery, a few blocks down the street from White Sox Park in Chicago IL. Guests and models alike had a great experience with our never-seen-before j-na accessory treasures. In attendance were guests from Toronto Canada, one of which is shown here modeling our large gemstone head wrap, showing just how beautiful the j-na concept can be in accentuating exotic facial features. It was commented by several, "she resembles princess Jasmine!" Also shown is Brie, "our preferred MUA/model." She is modeling above one of our most exquisite pieces, the midnight lace Treasures of the Czars wrap, in mohair and silk, adorned with grey cultured pearls, shell cameos, 14 karat gold beads and settings, and hematite beads! A head turning knock out on several levels.

After the crowd was astounded by the fashion show, to move guests past the state of comatose that the j-na line often creates, the evening progressed with a variety of music and dancing.

Contact us to be on the email list for vip treatment at the next j-na G S B fashion event!

Credits: Phography by Featured Event Photographer Isac Torres ipr0d1gy@yahoo.com and featured MUA Brie at 224-436-3061

J-NA'S INSPIRATION

Here are examples from the Treasures of the Czars exhibit that J-na saw when it came to the Midwest that inspired the line. The Habsburg royal family of Russia had a profound love of art and left a dynasty of invaluable treasures that are on display in the finest museums, including royal garments adorned with precious gems in 14 carat gold settings.

See the royal coronation vestment in photo to left.

Also, what amazed J-na was the condition of these century old garments in silk and fine wool tapestries (see above) dating from the 1500's that look as though they were made yesterday!
These Fine luxury fibers truly are worthy to be adorned with gold and gems resulting in your custom treasured heirloom to pass on through your family linage as you build your dynasty, as did the Hapsburgs. A testament that embodies the precious beauty of you, always remembered!