Dr H
Call Me a Cab
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‘Go Back to Old Kent Road’Whitechapel!
‘Go Back to Old Kent Road’Whitechapel!
I’m really surprised how much vitriol there is for Himel . . . So much ridiculously charged language here. Buyers of Himels are labeled ‘vain’
A custom sized and detailed leather jacket handmade using arguably the best materials in the world for half the cost of an off the rack Gucci leather jacket? Outrageously expensive or a bargain? Is it really that clear cut?
This forum is in kind of a unique position, ready to spend more than average on garments but not really into fashion. People here in general want to feel they are getting value for their money.
And as @Superfluous said so rightly, the price to quality ratio has nothing to do with the high fashion brands which are clearly not in favour here.
Kind of getting lost in what I am trying to say, but it feels like Himel came from the workwear world and is trying to enter the fashion sphere (and its prices) which is what bothers a lot of the users here.
My problem with Himel and the prices they demand is, having tried them on in a retail store...feeling positively underwhelmed. The hide, the cut, just everything... Left so much to be desired.
The jackets frankly didn't hold up. Stitching wasn't mind blowing (in fact a bit shoddy TBH), leather felt cheap, and the cut wasn't for me at all (all off the rack jackets). I will say the custom jackets shown here don't look to be at all of the same caliber. I wouldn't even think them the same maker TBH. But that's not really the point.
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I’m really surprised how much vitriol there is for Himel (for context, I own an Aero and have bought and traded a second hand jacket). So much ridiculously charged language here. Buyers of Himels are labeled ‘vain’ but asking for opinions on the Aero that you feverishly researched on forums, had fit jackets for, obsessed over the small details of and then paid the equivalent of a month’s rent of an average family for isn’t also ‘at the extreme end of the vanity market’ (guilty along with the rest of you by the way)? Time to fess up, we’re all pretty vain followers of fashion and are willing to put large amounts of disposal income behind that. Split hairs over what fashion means if you want. Flaunt your post code poverty. Pretend that you don’t belong a here because you can only afford a GW and 43 Aeros. Really what is so offensive about a Himel though?
I’ve read many times here, largely uncontested, that Shinki HH is the best in the world. I have no clue if that’s accurate but I recall reading that it takes a year for them to tan it. The only other data point I have is Chromexcel at one month. ‘Best’? Maybe. Most expensive? I believe that.
I also see ‘custom’ thrown around a lot for makers that are willing only to add length. I need a 41” chest for the best fit, how many makers are willing to accommodate that? Then, of course there’s plenty of Japanese brands that wouldn’t allow for even the adding of length at the price of a Himel.
A custom sized and detailed leather jacket handmade using arguably the best materials in the world for half the cost of an off the rack Gucci leather jacket? Outrageously expensive or a bargain? Is it really that clear cut?
(On the popular GW comparison. John just needs to increase his prices. If you have a 2-4 year waiting list then you’re probably not pricing your product correctly.)
Ton, I genuinely respect your above-posted opinion. Why? Because it is based on real world experience, as opposed to hypothetical, theoretical, generalizations.
Question: Could Himel sustain his business and make money selling the exact same jackets for $1,000?
Another question: For those of you who believe certain manufacturers are just plain "greedy," what do you believe is a fair and reasonable profit margin? $500 per jacket? 30% of the MSRP? At what point do profit goals move from reasonable to greedy?
A Bugatti Chiron priced at $1 million would be an insanely priced car -- exponentially higher than countless other outstanding cars -- utterly ridiculous. However, at that price, Bugatti loses money. My point is that one cannot determine profits and greed simply by looking at pricing. There is so much more to the equation.
This increase in prices isn't driven by some imaginary increase in quality or workmanship hither to unknown in human history of saddlery until the last few years, nor by a sudden increase in vintage enthusiasts increasing demand, but instead by an increase in middle class customers with disposable incomes getting caught up in the end of the mainstreaming of hipster style IMHO.
It's too far a leap for me. Not b/c of the price per say, but more b/c I don't see the value. I just don't believe it's actually there. The new site reads a bit like propaganda to me and I've always loathed the slogan, "one good thing" as it attempts to justify, in my opinion, an ego driven price point.
I’m really surprised how much vitriol there is for Himel
I think that with leather jacket prices going to 2000 USD, 500 bucks for a BR seems cheap, 1200 bucks for a LW G-1 seems like a bargain!
Unfortunately, Himel owners have been characterized far worse than “vain” in this thread.
I think it's been a sensible discussion about price points and markets. Getting emotional and passive aggressive doesn't help convince me the jackets are worth it.
Kind of getting lost in what I am trying to say, but it feels like Himel came from the workwear world and is trying to enter the fashion sphere (and its prices) which is what bothers a lot of the users here.
The rest of us are entitled to an opinion, even if some disagree. What you call 'judgement' is just an opinion, and an all too common over dramatic response to those who disagree.
I don't even know what the debate in this thread is about anymore...
Apparently, what you wear says something about who you are... And then others get to interpret what that is, and pass judgment accordingly.