1.5 Shades of Chanel

The article, "Shades of Chanel", written by Tracy Jennings describes the two-piece tweed suit influenced by the many design touches pioneered by Coco Chanel. The suit is adorned with many iconic elements seen throughout Chanel’s historical fashion collections. These recognizable touches include frayed edges, ribbon accents, decorative shirring, uneven hemlines, texture mixing, bound buttonholes and chain-weighted hemlines. Chanel’s style came to embody the spirit of the independent modern woman of the 20^th century and has continued to influence women and fashion today. The modern suit can be credited to her even though she borrowed many details from menswear. The suit, Shades of Chanel, embodies all of Chanel’s iconic design elements into one, displaying the rich and historical details that continue to influence fashion today.

The symbolism of the suit stems much further than its aesthetic qualities. Every brand enters the market with an ideal customer, tailoring their image and meaning specifically for that type of individual. In the instance of Chanel, the visual and technical qualities of their product have placed them at the peak of the market's hierarchy, so much so that the brand itself has been deemed a "classic." A style that in theory should only be available to those who can afford it is not so true once we look at the trickle-down effect. The finer detail and quality of fabric will be lost as it becomes available for a lower market, however the idea of the style remains intact. One does not necessarily have to be wearing a Chanel suit to perpetuate the idea of a Chanel woman. In other words, there is an entire lifestyle that the Chanel brand encapsulates, going further beyond the basic ability to afford it. Whether it is purchasing an entire look from the Chanel storefront for an aristocratic event or dabbing on the signature fragrance in the department store before a date, we can begin to indicate personal, cultural, social beliefs or conditions that have been imparted on an individual to make them react in this way.

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In recent years, people believe in different methods approach to self-actualization through inspirations from high-end goods.

Today we discuss:

Method 1. Believe knock-offs appeal their quality lives

Method 2. Respect essence of classic look and take it in their lifestyle in their own way

People take #1 method intentionally purchase knock-offs with the hopes of appearing as if they can afford that lifestyle. This type of illusion lends an inside look on personal behavior and lifestyle.

Reasons of buying knock-offs are several: indistinguishable look between authentic and knockoff, the price difference, appeal affordability to others, brand loyalty, etc. However, the decision of wearing them may unconsciously harm mental health...
 

A research reported by New York Times states that wearing fake designer goods causes the people more dishonest behavior. 

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/the-moral-costs-of-counterfeiting/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

This research implies wearing knock-offs is lying to self, and the individual will not be able to trust self. But, the result makes sense in the way because authentic brand goods give confidence in behavior, while knockoffs discourage self-esteem or pride. 

What do you think about the negative affection that knockoff goods influence?

What if your daughter or son wants to wear popular brand goods, but you are not able to afford? Would you give her/him knock-offs? 
 

Interesting part of the side-effect given by knock-offs is that the person must know she/he is wearing counterfeit designer goods. This may be the key to find ways to establish friendly relationship with knockoffs. 

People take #2 method respect essence of classic look and reflect its preferable detail in their lifestyle with a feeling of appreciation to quality, functionality, and message. Authentic fashion design offers design aesthetics to the person's taste, personality, culture, and beliefs. So, this depicts an entirely different woman than the aforementioned who would purposefully copy the look with the intent of deceit.

This case is often witnessed when trick-down effect occurs among fashion industry. Major fashion designers’ or celebrities’ presentation in front of media clicks with audiences’ inspiration to make them consider how to mix and match outfits in closet.

It is to say that people who want to take essence of Chanel tweed jacket in their daily wear and purchase J-crew Lady Jacket in Corkscrew Tweed successfully embody independent Chanel women in their own way.

The effort to interpret the essence and message of authentic designs gives the person confidence in the way to live. And, the lifestyle impresses others. This approach to self-actualization is nobler and healthier than instant keep-up-appearance with knock-offs.