bobm
Practically Family
- Messages
- 501
- Location
- Glen Ridge, NJ
Brands like Filson and Viberg boots are in a weird position. They'd probably like to stick with their original direction and customer base, but not only do they have to keep the doors open, but they also have OPPORTUNITY staring them in the face. Potential profit on a larger scale. Both their notorious quality and old school traditions are exactly what gives a brand that glow to the hipsters. I don't really like that term: hipsters. I use it. I get it. But there's more going on there. Barbour has done it too. I'm sure countless others as well. Slimmer, tailored fits with fashion in mind rather than utilitarian garments of high quality. I can't really blame a young person for wanting good quality stuff, even if they never put it through the paces. Quality stuff is cool. In a world of poor quality and planned obsolescence, it's even cooler.
I think we are basically on the same pager here - as I mentioned - this is something they need to do. I don't see the term hipster as derogatory at all and if you ever take a walk through SOHO, NOHO, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, etc, etc, that's about about half of what the stores the stores and residents are. In the urban and suburban areas, it's in the gentrified neighborhoods, examples mentioned above (literally and figuratively) about as far from Filson's original - or at least until the last 20 or so years or so, that Filson is very popular.
Again - kudos to Filson for expanding their base. Hey, I like Filson obviously too for the reasons you mentioned. I generally prefer the retro and time tested clothing rather than high techish or modern looks and I am just an old suburban guy who appreciates Filson. My bugaboo with Filson is that (example in my earlier post) they have taken some of their year round staples, changed a color/pattern, kicked up the price and made them limited editions. And I would like to see more products made in the good ol' USA.