RSS FeedTom Ford unveils $475 tanning goggles - Things we can't afford ...
First off, I would like to thank you for your humorous spin on pricey brand names and how they have reached the tanning eyewear market. As a fan of Tom Ford sunglasses, I am aware of the incredible price levels some brands can reach, but am nonetheless continuously surprised by some of the new products these designers decide to slap their labels on. By creating a pair of nearly five hundred dollar goggles that probably no one but the buyer will see - though it sounds crazy to us - Tom Ford must have had his faith in at least a few consumers. It is appropriate that you mention the buyers of this product would most likely be "extravagantly wealthy," seeing as we are in the midst of an economic downturn, and the average consumer probably would not be running to the store to purchase the latest protective tanning eyewear. This is also true because most salons typically provide their own, cheap versions for their clients that are just as effective protection-wise as the more expensive kind. You go on to say, "we have to question anyone who's willing to drop 500 bucks on a pair of goggles just to wear in a glass capsule full of man-made UV rays," which I think makes an interesting point and highlights a rather significant phenomenon regarding the demographic most known to frequent these indoor salons. What I am interested in is type of person Tom Ford had in mind - probably one who is both likely to visit a tanning salon and able to afford such expensive eye accessories. Is there some sort of implicit status-tag that tanned skin provides, much like carrying a designer handbag? An article I recently read referred to Coco Chanel's declaration of tanning as "in" in the 1920's and golden skin's representation of youth and status that came forth in the years following. Do you think there is an implied portrayal of wealth behind having a certain complexion that helps the business advertise to a particular subset of the population? As a blogger on style, what are your thoughts on the possibility of tanning as a fashion statement that markets to upper to middle class consumers?
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