“The more grand the client, the more difficult.” – Marguerite
When you are in the fashion business long enough, you realize that the things that bring the most glamour usually don’t overlap with the things that bring the most money. In Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, the Dior staff lament how their high profile clients are the most demanding and least likely to pay on time, if at all. The names are impressive, but the payoff is underwhelming.
There are many things in fashion business today that follow this principle. Fashion shows are notoriously one of them. They are glamorous for sure, but very expensive. The same goes for dressing celebrities or gifting to influencers. The upfront investment is significant and it doesn’t guarantee any financial payoff for your business. This is not to say that these things aren’t worth doing, just be mindful of what you are receiving for your effort if not money.
Pulling at this same thread, sometimes unfortunate and unglamorous situations do bring financial rewards. As the saying goes: ‘all press is good press’. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris touches on this reality as well. When Mrs. Harris’s gown catches flame while worn by the young starlet who borrowed it, it receives newspaper attention that results in lots of new orders for Dior. The story might be unfortunate, but the exposure ends up being a positive thing in the end. I have seen this happen first hand.
It is hard to imagine fashion without the glamour, but glamour alone doesn’t pay the bills. It is a fact of fashion business we all must keep in mind.