Behind the Scenes: The Craftsmanship of Luxury Goods

Luxury fashion is notably more expensive than less prestigious brands. To the uninitiated, it seems like you’re only paying for a name. However, luxury brands stand out in that they often use higher-quality textiles and other materials to craft handbags, fine jewelry, and more. These brands are also known for their attention to detail.

Some high-fashion brands use innovative techniques to design and manufacture clothing and accessories, while others are still dedicated to the art of hand-stitching. However these pieces are created, you end up with something special in your wardrobe that will last for multiple seasons. There is no substitute for luxury craftsmanship.

Spotlight on Craftsmanship

From a handcrafted handbag to a unique piece of jewelry that makes you the talk of any event, quality craftsmanship can elevate your wardrobe. Consider how the top brands in these categories stake their reputation on their ability to create elegant yet durable wardrobe staples.

Handbags

In the realm of handbags, Hermès is known for luxury craftsmanship. The brand’s Birkin handbags are so coveted that people wait for years for the chance to own one. Hermès is not a one-trick pony, either. Although its full range of handbags isn’t as well-known as the Birkin, they are still must-haves for anyone who wants a sophisticated, timeless handbag they can pair with any outfit.

Hermès was founded in 1837 and has dedicated itself to craftsmanship and artistry ever since. Although the company started in saddlery, the evolution to fashion came in the 1920s with a shift from saddles and harnesses to a wider range of leather goods.

Today, each Hermès handbag is meticulously designed with attention to detail. Once the design is approved, the company puts it into production at one of several production sites in France. Of Hermès’ total workforce, 7,300 members are artisans responsible for constructing clothing, leather goods, accessories, and other products. These artisans hand-stitch handbags, handles, and other parts of each bag using proven techniques that make each bag durable with clean lines and finishes.

To keep these techniques in the company, Hermès utilizes training hubs at which new artisans can learn from the company’s mentors. As a result, you know that any bag you buy from this brand will last a lifetime.

Watches

Timepieces are no longer a necessity. However, a beautiful, well-designed watch still makes for an eye-catching statement accessory with both form and function. When it comes to keeping time, Swiss watchmakers stand out for their quality and precision. Notable Swiss watchmakers include Rolex, Omega, and Tudor, among many others.

Swiss watchmakers have had over four centuries to perfect the art. In 1500s Geneva, people were prohibited from wearing ornamental objects, so the country’s jewelers turned their attention to watches. Today, the best Swiss watches are made to perform for the long haul.

Rolex operates four sites in Switzerland at which it manufactures, assembles, and tests all watches. Having a smaller operation gives the company full control over the design and manufacturing process, including quality inspections.

Omega has long been known as an innovator in watchmaking. It was the first to use titanium and ceramic materials, which made its watches lighter and easier to wear. Omega also developed magnetic-resistant watches in 2013. The company employs strict standards when choosing materials to make its watches.

These and other Swiss brands pay attention to detail and create wearable art that you can pass down through generations.

Jewelry

Speaking of family heirlooms, perhaps the most well-known are pieces of fine jewelry. A meticulously crafted article of jewelry is visually appealing and made to last. Many of the famed Crown Jewels worn by members of the British royal family were made in the 1600s and still look the same when they are worn today.

Renowned jeweler Cartier has been working with the British royal family and other royals across the globe for over 100 years. The brand also makes fine jewelry for mere commoners with the same precision and level of detail as the tiaras worn by royals at their weddings.

Cartier uses the finest quality gems and metals to craft its jewelry. The brand is also known for design. Its philosophy lies in balancing lines and shapes and using proportion to create simple, yet memorable pieces such as the famous Love bracelet. This creative approach to pattern and design also led to the creation of the instantly recognizable Cartier panther.

Craftsmanship vs. Mass Production

Luxury brands such as Cartier, Hermès, Rolex, and Omega stake their reputation on attention to detail. Each piece exemplifies certain skills and showcases a high level of artistry. Many components of these pieces are handmade with high-quality materials.

Mass production, on the other hand, is all about quantity. Brands that use methods of mass production to manufacture clothing and accessories pay closer attention to costs. They use lower-quality materials and less expensive techniques to make many items they can sell in stores.

If you buy mass-produced fashion, you’re not automatically stuck with cheap textiles that fall apart after you wash them once. Some mid-range brands use higher-quality fabrics and finishings, but you still lose the unique quality of luxury craftsmanship.

Brands such as Hermès and Cartier make one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out. Because of the hand-stitching, your Birkin bag won’t be exactly the same as your best friend’s bag. What’s more, heirloom items such as watches and fine jewelry hold their value longer when they are made with exceptional craftsmanship. If you want to invest in a piece to hand down for generations, go to brands known for their craftsmanship. Once you’ve invested in your piece, take care of it through regular cleanings and repairs as needed.

Add Craftsmanship to Your Wardrobe

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