The curse of the designer high street collaboration

Do you know what frustrates me more than anything? It's the day after a launch of a new 'designer' high street collaboration and everything is out of stock. Why? Those bastard bulk buyers (you know who you are) who decide they will make a quick buck by sky rocketing the price of what the item actually cost on ebay and other sites.  Surely the whole point of these collaborations is to offer people who cannot afford the cost of the real thing a bit of designer luxury on a budget? This is why I found Barbara Hulanicki's approach about her range for ASDA so refreshing.    

Her interview with Vogue in 2010 highlighted the need for simple stylish pieces at realistic and affordable prices. This dress for example is classic and should be a staple in any woman's wardrobe. Worn with flatties tights and pearls during the day and rocking out in the evening with some silver boots and a funky clutch. It's only sodding £18.00 can you go wrong?

The classic prints from the heyday of BIBA are all there too. This woman rocks saying a big fat 'fuck you' to the relaunch of BIBA at House of Frazer. Asked if it represents the true BIBA spirit her response was "No, It looks like House of Fraser. No comment,". She's right...the whole point of fashion back in the 60's was a thrift store mentality, cheap,  cheerful, something you could dress up. Today is no different, in a deep recession we simply cannot afford the bullshit prices of bulk buying bastards. Nor do I want to see carbon copy clones the day after a launch......boring. If anything my tip is to go looking at the collaborations from years ago they are dirt cheap now and remember the wise words of BH  'I want to do what I always have done - make clothes for young people living in bedsits'.