Like any fashion-conscious guy, I demand style from my clothing and accessories... always! No exceptions. This was precisely my mindset when I eagerly burst through the doors of the D&G (Dolce & Gabbana) boutique in Bologna, a mere 36 hours after arriving for my study abroad program.
Long a dedicated and satisfied fan of the unapologetic, hip and younger label from Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, I had little doubt that my expectations would be met. I had one simple mission: find something unique to wear to the upcoming Dolce & Gabbana show for Fall/Winter '07-'08 Fashion Week in Milano.
After fickly browsing most of the current line with discontent, my eyes suddenly honed in on something. I found myself involuntarily swooping in for the kill! It was a belt, unusually composed of dark oak leather and sturdy sailing rope, complete with belt loops and a sizeable brass buckle. Within minutes, I had the staff fitting the contraption on me, and before I could be convinced otherwise, I was out the door with half a month's rent long gone.
Shortly thereafter, the time arrived to debut my new hardware in Milano. However, fate was not on my side. Having misjudged my timing while conducting an interview at the Laura Biagiotti presentation, I arrived too late to the Dolce & Gabbana show?missing not only a fantastic new collection, but also Gisele Bundchen's first appearance on the runway in five years!
Devastated, I solemnly headed to the pre-show party and open bar at the John Richmond show, thinking my troubles had ended. Wrong.
Later that week, having overcome the disastrous events in Milano, I decided to give my belt another go. I was mid-dance at a trendy bar when I sensed something slide off my body and thud to the floor. The damn belt had fallen apart! I was furious.
The next day I marched right over to the D&G store and ripped them a new one in the angriest, most fluid Italian I could muster.
To make a long story short, my complaint ultimately reached the customer service and product office in Milano. It went in circles for three months, entailing e-mails, letters and phone call after phone call. Yet, D&G would not take responsibility for its faulty and poorly made product. I will never buy another D&G product again.
All too often, we assume and insist that high fashion products are of superior quality and come with excellent service, as we very well should. While this is the norm, it is not always the case. I learned the hard way. Thus it is necessary to create our own personal blacklists of labels that fail to meet these standards for their often overpriced goods. D&G is quite high on mine (primarily due to terrible customer service), as is DSQUARED2, another high-end label I've found faulty.
On the other hand, completely writing off a brand after one incident can be hasty. I recall a time when I confidently purchased a pricey Prada vest in San Francisco, only to find the zipper had broken after minimal use. I promptly phoned the Prada customer service line and complained. Within a month, I had my entire purchase refunded, accompanied by an exceptionally apologetic handwritten note. Unlike D&G, Prada practiced exactly the sophisticated customer service that has kept me a faithful customer.
To avoid purchasing inadequate designer merchandise, inspect products, tug and pull for durability, scrutinize stitching, the quality of materials used, and the location of fabrication, and seek out warranties. Don't let yourself be a swindled victim!
Tip of the Week?advance your chic!
Ladies: Elect for tights or stockings rather than leggings! Leggings have passed.
Gents: Consider updating your look by investing in a button-up vest in silk, wool, or cashmere, which is easy to dress up or down.