A new era is upon us: the age of luxury brands extending every which way. Prada is the purveyor of cell phones, Armani has signed a deal to do LCD TVs, and Roberto Cavalli is doing...vodka?! Well-established companies are always looking for more ways to increase their revenue, but the question is: are these things really going to catch on?
The same phenomenon occurred in the late 80s, when French designer Pierre Cardin and American designer Halston both licensed their names to be used on so many products that they killed their luxury brand status.
Luxury brands today are supposedly more careful about the quality and quantity of their products, but no one is more singularly successful than Ralph Lauren, who sells everything from linens, candles, and beds to cashmere dog clothes. Trying to emulate Mr. Lauren could be dangerous though: the current economic climate predicts a marked decrease in consumer spending. If things go as expected, what will Mr. Cavalli do with all that vodka? PartySugar: are you reading this?
DKNY
Twenty8twelve
Ben Sherman
Mmmmmm vodka!!!
1My favorite...
Ha. All I can imagine is designer TP...
2I think it's all pretty stupid. I would be embarrassed to spend my money on a fashion designer's alcohol. I'll stick with the experts on that, thanks.
3Yes, Fab, of course I am reading! I'm pretty sure he came out with this vodka line awhile ago. I think it makes an excellent gift to a fashionable gal who is turning 21!
4Its a cute bottle but I would stick to I know whats good.
5oh good idea party!!! I didnt think of it that way!!
6Oh, I hope it doesn't go the way Pierre Cardin did..his name became laughable back in the day, and no one bought his stuff. I think as long as they don't put their name on just anything and everything..they should be okay (for instance, just a few really luxurious items..like bedding, home furnishings would be the best route, in my opinion). But if they do completely sell out..it's not going to be pretty for their name sake.
7Oh, and perfume is a given (and I'm glad they do it)..that's how the couture fashion houses make their money...or it used to be.
8goes down smooth
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