While putting together my plans for Fashion’s Night Out this September, I recently combed through their requirements for participants.  I was happily surprised to see the emphasis was placed entirely on new full-priced designer merchandise.  Remember when it was cool to have the in-season IT-item?  It was such a relief for me to see that discounted, vintage & used clothing retailers were not eligible to participate; at least for one day out of the year, people will choose to support the designers who work hard to keep new ideas coming down the runway.  Maybe the rest of the year you can get something used, or buy the copies somewhere cheap but I’m glad somebody decided to point out the right thing to do.

Start saving now girls!  Your authentic purchase will surely outlast the 3 or 4 inferior garments it replaces!  Not to mention these vendors are the advertisers who keep all your favourite magazines in print…

As a participant in this year’s FNO, I was asked to update my Terms of Service online, which was actually a good idea.  It allows me to explain the process I go through when fulfilling an order, especially why it unapologetically takes longer & costs more than a manufactured item.  Here’s what I came up with:

 

Production Ethics: Clean Practices in a Dirty Industry

Certain items from the collection are in stock, while others may be made-to-order.  While it is our top priority to quickly and successfully make you look amazing, from time to time we experience delays in production.

Because our production methods are unique: we don’t over-produce, we do not waste materials, and we don’t rely on exploitation of overseas labor, the instant-gratification-factor slows up a little … but it’s worth the wait.

We ask that you allow a minimum of 4-5 days, and up to 3 weeks to process and ship your order.  This is due to a number of factors, from payment processing, acquiring specialty materials, and perfecting your order to our standard of quality.  In the event that the garment you ordered takes more than 5 days, we will notify you via email within 48 hours of making a purchase.

We may ask you questions about your size & fit preferences, and even send for a photo, since any couture house will tell you a woman’s true dimensions can’t be determined solely by numbers on a size chart.  The point is we want the garments to be exactly right for you, and will take every measure necessary to get it right.

When you order from us, you are getting the full experience of a high fashion designer garment, including the utmost quality select materials, hand-finished details and innovative styles & techniques.  All items are made here in New York City by dedicated craftspersons, and their passion for the craft shows in each finished garment.  When supporting us, you are continuing the tradition of high fashion and preserving the professional practice of artisanal techniques in the New York economy.

Visit www.alishatrimble.com to read the full terms of service.  To learn more about our production methods, feel free to contact us via email at social (@) alishatrimble.com.