A term that came up on Mrs Fashion‘s post about croc bags, was a poorly consutrcted word; ‘label-ista’ which got me thinking about what it actually means. In that particular context, a label-ista is apparently someone concerned with the labels on a bag; IT bags etc. But when we really dissect the term, is it as simple as witch hunting someone out and crying ‘Urgh… you label-ista!’?
In my so called ‘indie/alternative’ stage during my teens, I would have gladly worn the sandwich board declaring ‘Down with the labels.’ I’m talking about when I was 14 and I would scoff at designer labels with disgust and construct sentances that went something like ‘Why buy X when you can buy Y?!’
It has been nearly a decade and during that time, I have developed an appreciation for what designer labels stand for, their work and if we’re honest that term ‘designer label’ encompasses a multitude of things (independent, high-end, couture, streetwear, list goes on and on…). However in a lot of people’s heads a ‘label’ denotes something hoity toity, the posh, snobby, expensive stuff that bars certain economic groups. This may ring true for some ‘labels’ but as we know, not all…
So the self-education about designers, keeping up with catwalk shows, all for me naturally led to the desire to procure/consume ‘designer labels’, precisely what I absolutely detested as a teen. Does this make me a shallow, ‘can’t see past the VIP tag’ label-ista? Furthermore, does it make that person who can afford to wear the dreaded fashion crime ‘head to toe in labels’ an even more vicious label-ista?
To answer the first question, I think by and large, readers of Style Bubble are like myself, into mixing and matching. Someone expressed their surprise at my purchase of that yellow Zara dress as she had the impression of me being into the ‘alternative and underground.’ Sure, I admire that strand of designers but what I admire and know of within fashion, doesn’t necessarily corelate to my spending habits. I buy on whimsy, on instant love, on instincts be it vintage, high street, charity/junk shop, designer, sample sales, etc. I don’t lie that yes, if I had the money, it may be that a large proportion would go towards those ‘dreaded’ labels’.
Yet somehow, admiring and lusting after designer labels is all find and dandy but as soon as you enter into the territory of buying the stuff, you’re villified as a label-ista. Then in answer to the second question, I don’t feel people should be penalised for being able to afford the lifestyle to dress ‘head to toe’ in labels.
I give mad props to people who are innovative and resourceful enough to do the best with whatever budget they have. At Style Bubble, I think I’ve shown a fair bit of what I try to do when pinching the pennies. At the same time, I’m not into reversed snobbery. If somebody has the means to buy something, fair play, congrats, lovely jubbly. I doubt many people here would physically say no if a designer garment or accessory came their way gratuit and object violently against it.
So when does the negativity that comes with being critcised as a ‘label-ista’ come into it then? My opinion is that when judgement calls are made about the origins of someone’s outfit not being good enough. Someone who is into designer labels isn’t the problem. But when they start to use and abuse labels to put people into boxes, that’s when the trouble begins. Perhaps, it may even be a case of sour grapes of not having the means to afford something and therefore raining hatred on those that can.
Perhaps it’s time to just accept different people’s lifestyle choices and that there are a multitude of ways to enjoy fashion, whatever budget you’re on. I won’t be aplogetic about lusting after that Burberry Prosum nylon zipper coat and yes, if the money ever came my way, off I would go to spend it on that coat. So I’m a label-ista? Alrighty….
What is your take on this hideously constructed word, multi-faceted word? (Excuse the essay-ish again, incoherent type posts…. expressing myself eloquently is not a strong point and as always, I haven’t got it quite figured out in my head so that’s where you guys come in…..)
I agree with you on all points, however I do hate it when people think that “label”= “style”. (ie. Many of the ditzy celeb types here in North America, maybe in the UK too?)
Piling on a bunch of “label” clothing does not mean you have style and vice versa.
I am in total agreement that great style should be picked up from here there and everywhere. Keep people guessing 😉
To, me the term ‘Label-ista’, denotes a person solely concerned with being seen to have the ‘it’ thing – be it a bag, a particular pair of shoes or even a whole label.
Like you, I have no problem with people who have the resources, and imagination to wear head – to – toe designer pieces. I would definitely like to have a higher percentage of labels in my wardrobe, not just to have them there, but just because there are so many covetable things in all the fashion magazines, websites and blogs (like yours) I read.
Plus there is an alluring cachet to be found in owning more unique, limited pieces which just can not be found on the high street.
The difference is I, guess, is education. It’s only when you can look past the big names of the household designers, and you get out there into the small boutiques, and get to know the owners and discover smaller indie designers for yourself that shopping and fashion as a whole stops becoming a sport in which you are just another faceless competitor, a sheep, and truly becomes a passion.
So, I think all in all the ‘Label – ista’ is very different from a real appreciator of fashion, and a lot easier to spot; she is the one walking down the street with a perma tan, with Nicole Richie Bug eye sunglasses, a knock off Mischa Barton Chanel bag with Heat magazine inside, and terry cloth sweat pants with ‘Juicy’ splayed across her arse.
P.S
I have been reading the blog for over a year now, just wanted to let you know that I love it – It’s my homepage, keep up the good work, it’s really appreciated on a slow day at work!
Susie, I definitely agree with you. The beauty of fashion is that it encourages creativity, forwardness, modern change. It’s reasonable to have labels for designer lines for branding purposes or current trends for archival reasons. But to label people… I don’t much see the point. Reducing people to one (life)style choice is not very fair to anyone. Once someone labels another as xyz snob, then that person enters into the same hypocrisy. It seems the only way to counter stereotypes and labelling of others and yourself is to keep an open mind, which is what you have eloquently done so well with StyleBubble.
However, like Angie Montreal, I do feel that there is some truth in the term “labelista.” It denotes those seeking status rather than style. So for everyone trying to work high end luxury brand names into their wardwrobes whenever and however they choose, Labelista just doesn’t cut it.
There’s nothing wrong with being interested in labels, but it is lazy to rely on simply the label name when judging what is cool or not. A label-ista is this kind of person, who uses the label name as the measure of what is ‘in’ or ‘out’. Such a person can’t make the judgment call of a label’s worthiness for herself; such a person isn’t able to discern quality and creativity–regardless of label–on her own. So yes, susie, you are right in that there is nothing wrong with educating oneself with and even loving certain labels. However, whereas you are able to listen to your own tastes and standards in deciding what labels you prefer, a label-ista takes the thoughtless way out, going for whatever label has been deemed the best by the fashion overlords.
Ha ha, great post Susie! I especially love that you think it’s a hideously constructed word!
It’s connotations in the context of the comment, and I think it’s general implication, was that being a labelista is all about loving labels to the exclusion of loving fashion. Full stop.
Whereas being a “fashionista” means one is more open to all sorts of fashion (from the avant garde to the decidely average) an lb (can’t bear to type that word again) cares only about the brands they’re wearing and if asked to describe and outfit would do so by brand names alone, “Halston, Gucci, Fiorucci” rather than – “Oh, it’s a navy cotton shift with 3/4 length sleeves and a scalloped hem”.
x
a ‘lablelista’ i guess would be one who relies soley upon the window display mannequin, fashion magazines, and people such as yourself without forming any real opinion or sense of dress or self.
you, my dear don’t fall into that category, not even a little, on a bad day, when all your clothes are dirty, and are wearing the ‘dry clean only’ stuff at the back of your closet.
Totally agree! It’s so wrong to label somebody because of what he wears! The point is to feel comfortable with your look, to be yourself. It’s easier to do it in designer clothing, but it’s possible to look good even if you don;t afford anything close to “designer”. I might be a good example for that, because I can’t afford to pay that much money on clothes. However, I totally would. Label-ista is just a mean word and i think works only for those “Barbie” type of girls who wear LV handbags…
mm, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wearing “label” items. the quality is often without match.
there is, as mrs. fashion pointed out in her post, a lot wrong with people who wear things just because they’re of a label, or carry (expensive for what they are) bags because they’re say, from longchamps, even though they’re hideously ugly scuffable nylon with tacky handles. that, to me, goes hand-in-hand with logo-whoring (pardon the term), which is the least pardonable of all fashion offenses. the vuitton logo pattern, if we’re honest with ourselves, is frightful. there’s a reason it was made that way, and it was probably to hide damage on the trunks and traveling cases it was originally designed to adorn. it was not meant as an accessory, and I think that’s where people started to get it wrong: “I can’t afford the matched luggage, but at least I’ll have a piece of the label/logo, in spite of how it actually looks.”
that’s my gripe with it, anyway.
a better term might be “label-whore”. someone who likes something only because the label connotes wealth and status, regardless of style or substance. so, just because one may favor designer brands, it doesn’t mean one’s automatically a label-whore.
Yes this is a tough one for me. I appreciate the quality of materials and design and craft that often goes into making fine (labeled)clothing and think such clothing adds to the quality of life. But I always feel a bit uneasy spending large amounts of money on clothing when I think of what else I could be doing with the money, not only in my own life, but also the world with all its poverty and problems.
i went through that indie stage too when i was younger and all designer labels symbolised to me this hoity toity world which people bought into just to point out to everyone else that they could afford expensive things. but then, in those days, i was a little slow to learn that gucci and lv weren’t the only designer labels and that not all brands sold bags filled with their logos stamped all over. lol.
label-ista? yes, perhaps there are quite a number of them, but even if i’m still not that into gucci or lv bags, i’ve known some people who genuinely love the design of some of those said bags. it truly is reversed snobbery (a term which i’ve also used on some people) in some cases when people just don’t understand why i long for my marni balloon bag or the chloe silverado wedges instead of just buying something more affordable. and because of my longings, i’ve been labeled a label-whore as christine mentioned.
labelwhore’s my word for it too! if a labelista is a labelwhore, then for me it means someone who buys and wears fashion for status and not aesthetics. where the label means more to you than look or craftsmanship.
but then indiewhores who reject anything mainstream or high end purely because it’s too common or too well known or too accessible make me just as irritated (even though I’ve been guilty of that before).
the only difference between the two is that labelwhoring is an older form of satus-grab than indiewhoring. now that people have more disposable income (at least in the west) being able to afford somoething designer isn’t as rare, so your knowledge of underground brands or how different you are has taken its place.
at the end of the day I feel fashion is about creativity and self-expression, not a competition to own the limited edition bag, or even to be the most scene … so it’s a shame when people go either way.
I agree with Faraday, a label-ista is the fake tan, “It” Bag, & sweats. It’s also someone that would rather shell out $600 for a tiny canvas logo bag than paying $300-$400 for a fabulous & more interestingly designed bag that isn’t as “Status Seeking.”
And I always believe that it doesn’t really matter where someone buys their clothes, it’s all in the styling, whether it be Vintage, Thrift, Chain store, High Street, Boutique, Haute Couture…whatever…
Of course if I had the money I would love to dress in head to toe Alexander McQueen, Ann Demeuleemester, Dior Homme, Chanel…but I don’t, so I take the concepts & make it work with what I got.
Excellent comments from all. I am a label whore for certain labels. I know I can expect quality and beauty from Chanel, Lanvin or numerous others. But I will plunk down a good amount of cash for something that does not have a high end label that is well constructed and beautiful.
Ultimately, certain designers, medium or high end, have earned consumers’ trust by continuously designing beautiful, well made clothing. Those who merely have good marketing plans but nothing spectacular to show for it, there will always be some poor girl with no fashion sense or style that will part with her money to have the latest “it” whatever.
Lesley Scott at Fashiontribes makes an excellent point about style vs. dependence on labels. http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/main/2007/07/anna-wintour-in.html
Hi Susie, I justed had to laugh. Funny post. Hmmm, I have no hideously constructed word. This post reminded me of the from-head-to-toe-label-dressed-women who inflict me their presence (I hope you understand, don’t know how to say it in english). You can see lots of those in Rue St. Faubourg Honoré (not Colette, but GUCCI for example). They will look if you look and that’s somehow funny. I talked to a girl who now works for Marc Jacobs and we had a big laugh about it. I will post something which comes close to label desire as well. Cheers,Kat
Oh my goodness, I’m going to have individually reply to everyone of these as everyone has raised some wicked points…
The vocab that has come up though involving the word ‘whore’ has been more than amusing.
What I can say for now is that I’m pleasantly surprised there is this general consensus about what differs between a label-lover and a label-ista….. clearly there is a certain kind of demographic that reads this blog…. we all seem to share an broad view that labels can’t buy style and that is very comforting to know…
Group hug?
Sorry about the badly constructed word (yes it was my comment – i’m sorry) But actually the bee in my bonnet was all about bags and more a reaction to the fact that I’m sick of them, I have nothing aginst labels at all if you like something its designer and you can afford it great. Its just I’m so fed up with all these it bags to me they are all about status and nothing about fashion.
In that case I could be called a “label-ista” since I own, or have at some point owned, many ‘it’ bags. But I buy them because they are beautiful and match what I wear. I’ve owned Balenciagas looooong before they were mainstream but I’d still get called a “label-ista” for carrying one now.
When it comes to clothing I care not a jot where it comes from. But I happily admit that if I could I would buy more high end items since the quality is notably better, but I’m just as happy in Topshop as any of my designer items.
Whilst I totally see that some women choose labels, as has been said, to display status, but those women are just insecure in my opinion, and probably aren’t really ‘into’ fashion in quite the same way many of us are.
I hate the term “fashionista” too, since really they are all just made up words used to put people in neat little holes and judge them.
I also think is many instances people who can and do afford designer clothes are often just on the receiving end of sour grapes.
I sort of class it more as somebody who buys for the label.
Eg. One dress that is Prada and looks EXACTLY like one from say Sara (this is hypothetical so imagine it is actually exactly the same).
But they choose the Prada one because it says “Prada”
I honestly don’t think the lbst (painful word, I agree) tag can actually be applied to people who like to buy things from certain labels and stick to those labels because they know they’re getting value for their money from those. Maybe what we’re actually out to boo is people who think (and what an abominable mentality) that just because something’s expensive or its designer’s been flogging things to celebs, it’s good. And if someone has the resources to get themselves nice things, who are we to say they should not? Money might buy you the appearance of a well-styled woman, but the taste has to be all your own- indie-whoring might be annoying, but for a lot of people it’s a transitory phase and has a lot to do with genuinely held convictions…label-whoring, on the other hand, is in nine cases out of ten all about money and what it can get you (which, in their case, is an utter lack of creativity or original thought of any sort).
But my real rant, if I were to be honest, goes against the word fashionista- just as DJM says. A male friend once made a comment to the effect of being surprised that I could read Terry Pratchett and still be a fashionista at the same time. And I actually really resented the inferred surprise that I could be a girl who was into fashion and a bibliophile at the same time.
People who work in fashion or are passionate for fashion will always be considered “as somehow stupid” by a big amount of people. In Germany where I come from it is even worse, therefore I am glad to live now in Paris. Most people forget that fashion is a part of culture and not minor worth than architecture f.e. Some views are just intolerant and boring and therefore I get quickly bored and disappointed by a lot of people I meet.
Lola, if you’re “sick of (bags)” then I’m really keen to hear your suggestions of what we should be carrying our things in? Mr Fashion is rather good at fitting my lipgloss into his pocket if we’re going out dancing but I don’t want to sling my wallet, diary and bottle of water into a (recycled) carrier bag for everyday.
My post was all about how I wanted a (mock)croc bag for the texture and general feel – I was inspired by Roisin Murphy’s unidentified sac, not a status Silverado or Spy and – as I pointed out – the High Street tends to make cheap looking mock-croc so the only nice croc / mock-croc bags on offer, IMO, are designer or vintage. Tell me if you see a cute High St one though!
The fashion blog community seems to be populated with people who truly love fashion – high and low – and admire all sorts of style – from the edgy to incredibly elegant. Your “badly constructed” word doesn’t have much relevance to anyone who stops here, or at Mrs Fashion I would imagine.
Take your It bag rant to Cricket.
x
You wrote:
“expressing myself eloquently is not a strong point”
Are you kidding??? I, personally, love the way you express yourself. You’re vivid, real and likable. It is so refreshing.
What I want to know is: Are you rich? Like, mega-wealthy? Because I don’t know how you’re able to acquire the fabulous things you have at your young age.
Hear hear! It’s true, I wouldn’t mind having one of Balenciaga’s AW07/08 (hopefully faux) fur-trimmed coats wrapped snuggly around my affluent body, but alas, that is not the case. I’m in total agreement of the “live and let live, wear and let wear” attitudes of many (if not most) of the people who commented before me.
And I must say, I squealed in delight at your use of the phrase “lovely jubbly”.
Just wanted to come back and comment further seeing as everyone has eloquently expressed what it is that differentiates between appreciation of labels and those wearing them for the sake of them being labels.
Faraday: Good point about the uniqueness that certain designers can add to a wardrobe. That is not to say you can’t be unique without them but I do notice people making comments on the things that happen to be ‘labels’ – the cut, quality and finish…
Mrs Fashion: I have to admit, if people asked me what I was wearing, I would ‘label’ my clothes with names as well as descriptions….but only for purposes of further clarification!
A Lady: Insightful stuff about LV… I never thought of it like that. I know lots of people defended LV for it’s superior quality when I ranted about LV…. so I like your counter argument.
J: Those are entirely different issues altogether, things I won’t even attempt to reconcile…
Lot of you have pointed out the different KINDS of labels to like that mark you out as a label-whor/label-ista which is interesting – something I might have to explore further – like sectors within labels?
Sandra Mendoza: You’re right to go for quality and personal love above all else….
Katrin: Paris seems to be more discreet about their labels then other cities say Milan or Hong Kong for example….
Lola: I see your point but my opinion is, an IT-bag should not be discounted for the fact that it might be beautifully made and constructed. A Fendi Spy for example is incredibly rich in detailing etc but has been maligned to the IT-bag pile which gives it bad connontations. That is unfortunate but doesn’t take away the fact that it’s still a decent bag.
Blue Floppy Hat: I throw around the word fashionista as well…..but I hate it too…there has to be an alternative?
Katrin: I’ve written about people’s perceptions of my interest in fashion in great depth if you delve into my Rants & Raves section…. if you’re interested!
Susan: Rich? Me? No way…. I would say I’m resourceful and probably more of a dedicated bargain hunter than people think….
I’m not that young either….been grafting for nearly 2 years now!
Thank you for complimenting my writing…. I do feel like I write like a child though sometimes….
Mari: Things are lovely jubbly…. instantly makes me feel better even I just type it!
i always thought you were into all levels of style. that is what makes you fun. i think being a total label-ista [oh i can hardly say that] can be done badly [too to-the-letter] but can also be mixed up into a really personal style too. labels can be nice if the item is high quality. that’s nice.
hmm. This is my take on it
http://libertylondongirl.blogspot.com/2007/08/i-would-rather-tote-my-belongings-in.html
and eat and dream. I thought done it. think parents for kids suggested up across the vast