Good morning to all! We finally made it home after getting somewhat lost in Hackensack N.J. LOL. I guess I was more tired than I thought. I missed the turn off to the George Washington Bridge, and I have made this drive a thousand times in the last 11 years. Being tired from the long day,the drizzle, the fog and the bad lighting on the N.J. Turnpike didn’t help. I was running real low on gas and that was my biggest concern, but all ended well. I still haven’t unpacked the 71 samples I brought down for the models to wear plus the accessories……..tomorrow is another day. Last night we went out to dinner with friends and we all over did it with the Margaritas! We were both a little wobbly this morning! That didn’t stop Jac…..off to the gym she when to meet her girlfriend, who should also be a little wobbly this morning from the margaritas!! The weather today is sunny, crisp and quite windy, and I plan to just take it easy. Later I will take the “girls” for a leisurely stroll. Of course, that’s how I imagine it…..with the three of them tugging on the leashes….trying to chase every squirrel they see….nothing about it is leisurely!
I am happy to report the two shows on Thurs. did extremely well. They both exceeded the targets and that makes EVERYONE happy! So, once again, I thank you for making it possible. I am so glad I have November off! I can slowly start thinking about putting the Dec. 9th show together. I am also finishing designing Fall 2012. I have to say I am a little anxious about Fall 2012. Don’t get me wrong, I have found extraordinary things….truly beautiful special fabrics…..actually a treasure trove of fabrics! However, everything is so much more money than last year. Some of the same fabrics I considered last year have gone up in price by $2 to $3 dollars and in some cases more. I know I am going to get resistance from QVC and my manufacturer…..who is just as price conscious as QVC is. I have already seen customer resistance to higher prices. Everyone wants good quality and better fabrics, but the majority really can’t afford to pay more and I certainly understand…..it is a dilemma. I have been looking at all the fall catalogues and the prices are so much higher than what I am selling my Linea clothes for. I have to say, in most cases, I like what I am offering better, but then I am biased. It was only a few years ago when my manufacturer would say, “let’s do some silk blouses”. Today, the price of silk has exceeded what QVC will pay for a garment. No one on QVC is doing “NEW” items in silk. The only exception is if something is a reorder item, and I can tell you that will end too because the same prices can not be maintained. That is the world we live in. I have total empathy for all of the people around the country who are protesting while banks, big business and oil companies are raking in billions of dollars. I feel very guilty about raising prices, but I still don’t want and will not sell an inferior product. The months ahead will definitely be a challenge.
I hope you are all well and don’t forget to smell the roses….what’s left of them……..much Love, Louis
Sunday Morning Talk
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Hello Louis:
I truly enjoyed your October shows and had the best fun shopping. For one thing, I am now a “Turtleneck Kind of Girl” with your ‘whisper knit’ T-necks! I bought 3 from your shows and have now made them a part of my ‘Linea work uniform’ :-)). I also found that little cardigan with the ‘v-neck’ ruffled front with the beading and velvet trim to be the sweetest sweater I have ever owned and so comfortable!!
Now, price can and will be somewhat of an issue going forward, but quality and upscale design is really what will sell your product. The consistency of the color pallets make it easy to mix and match, and this allows us to get the maximum use out of our Linea wardrobe. I consider your line ‘investment purchases’ and will always be willing to buy.
LOL to you and Jac and the girls,
Soldout
Louis,
Love all of your designs and the quality cannot be surpassed. Your clothes are the best value at QVC, and I have tried most of them. Your clothes feel so good on, and look good, as I am told. I am a little confused why some think that you must keep your clothing line at a certain price, no one else does. You cannot continue to give us that kind of quality without an increase in price. It is so true that you get what you pay for. I do admire your craftsmanship and designs. I am so pleased that you are part of QVC.
Thank you,
Louis, I have a burning question 🙂 Does the new purple whisper knit turtleneck which just came available recently – color match or color co-ordinate with the purple boho skirt?
Louis, Thanks for fighting the good fight for our fabrics. I will pay more for each Linea item if that’s what it takes. This economy has hammered us all and I have been hoping that you would not be leaned on too hard by QVC. I rely on you for all my good clothes.
Aha! I’ve just realized one reason why Louis’ jackets are so fabulously exquisite–it’s the seaming detail from the mid-shoulder down on both sides, front and back, which, along with the center seem down the back, makes for a very beautiful and flattering fit. Please don’t ever change this styling detail because it’s one reason why you’re the very best ever! I hope other designers aren’t lurking here because we need to keep this trade secret of Louis’ quiet among us Linea ladies!
Lots of love!
Louis,
I just received 4 items from your last show. The crushed velvet black skirt, both colors in the sleeveless sequin cowl top & the cassis v-neck tunic sweater. Each piece is exquisite! I know they will be my go to pieces going forward. I have so many of your creations & I couldn’t be more pleased with each and every one of them. I always feel confident & comfortable. I have items that are 6 years old & look as good as the day I purchased them! I would rather buy your clothing at whatever price you bring to QVC because I know it will be fair and a very good value. It is so much better to have fewer high quality items than a bunch of inferior products that are low cost. Please continue to do what you do best- design beautiful pieces that are enjoyed by your loyal fans. I will always support you. I look forward to your December show, particularly the pearl necklaces. Also, your wife is beautiful & always looks wonderful in your clothing. She is quite an asset to your shows.
You know, Louis, I can’t help but think this is really all about a Walmart mentality at QVC USA. I looked around at the UK, Germany, and Japan QVC sites, and lines that seem to be a similar niche to yours in terms of customer demographic (Lord knows, not always in style lol!)have much higher garment prices–sometimes for inferior fabrics.
A QVC UK line called, “Pompoos” shows a cotton velvet embellished jacket: equivalent $190; a QVC Germany Dennis Basso polyester faux suede jacket, equivalent $85; a QVC Japan polyester boho-type skirt, equivalent $190.
I realize that Basso and the Pompoos line are marketed in more than one country, so there are probably economies of scale at work, and there may be representation connections as well. But QVC USA making the decision, as Kate said, to rely on a volume only strategy is a big part of the problem.
None of these countries are flourishing economically. Seems to me that this is mostly about executive decision making.
I think you create miracles under constraints, and I also have no intention of walking away.
Louis, thanks so much for the description on the pink vest cardigan that will be on the Dec 9th show! It sounds devine! I think I may have to get the black and fawn too? Sounds like they can be worn by themselves or under jackets which makes for a very polished look. Very exciting, and also, the fact that cardigan and skirt together has the class of something worn by a Hitchcock heroine like Tippie Hendron or Kim Novac just makes it that much more desirable. Pure class all the way!
I would love to look like Tippi Hedron, but I don’t want to attract a big flock of crows!
No chance of that happening!
Louis, I have spent so much, since July, building my fall Linea wardrobe that I have decided to include it in my will that I am to go to eternal rest wearing Linea spruce green attire. LOL. I know that all of my Linea purchases will last a very long time. I have quite an “archive” of Linea, going back at least 8 years, and everything still looks great. The only things I have had to replace are a few turtlenecks that I literally wore to death.
I appreciate your thoughtful expressions of concern about rising prices of fabrics and other materials. But we know you are a fashion wizard and trust you to defy the odds– just as you did that fateful spring a while back– and continue to bring us wonderful clothes at value prices. We will always be here for you, Louis. Thanks for two wonderful shows.– Blinddogs
Hi Louis-
It sounds like you & Jac had a relaxing Margarita weekend and things are back to normal. We once got lost on the way to New England, missing the Tappenzee, and drove around for quite awhile in parts unknown!
I have full faith in you, I know you are striving to give us the best possible clothing at the best prices. The economy, the nation and the entire world seem to be in turmoil. I don’t think anyone, whatever income bracket, has been untouched. I could write a political thesis, but the point I am trying to make, is that we will not leave you or your fantastic designs. Shipping fees alone would pay for another article! QVC needs to enter this century…with so many online retailers offering free or reduced shipping they will lose customers. There is not one thing I now buy on Q, except for your clothing!
I will always be thankful for the positive outlook and inspiration you unknowingly provided after my accident. I have full intention of going to NYC soon and being able to walk around in a Linea wardrobe 🙂
Judi
I’m going to second that about the shipping charges! OUTRAGEOUS. Never buy at QVC if I can get it elsewhere just because of shipping.
I can understand your trepidation re higher prices but prices on fabrics have gone up everywhere. People will discover that the Linea line is still the greatest bargain in town in its category.
When my husband was running Raphael, he used to worry every season as fabric prices and customs soared. I always said, “everybody else has the same problem”
It doesn’t make sense to hold prices down by substituting shoddy fabrics.
I fully agree with what the others have already posted. We experience the same thing in the interior design industry. I remember a time when prices remained stable for quite a long time. Then when they went up, they went REALLY UP! No shoddy fabrics, findings, or construction are on my shopping list :-).
Hi Louis,
Back when I began my professional career, I had a wonderful woman as my mentor. I’ve never forgotten the fashion advice she gave me – “Buy the best quality you can afford in classic styles. If you do that, each piece is an investment that will last for years.” I’ve taken this advice to heart and have always found it to be true. Along the way, I’ve also found that classic can be spiced up to sexy – a classy kind of sexy – and also bent a little to funky – a very individual kind of funky. And I’ve also acquired many Linea garments whose quality and classic style have stood the test of 11 years.
Last week I invested in a number of classic pieces that will greatly add to my professional look and personal pleasure. And the relatively reasonable pricing allowed me to buy a few more pieces than would have been possible with other lines. The economy caused me to pass on some pieces I really wanted. But that’s just the way it goes.
So just keep doin’ that thing you do, Louis. And I’ll keep making the investment!
Louis,
Your post makes me feel, sadly, like we may be at the end of an era! Please, just assure me that you will bring back the French cuff jacket next spring, in both black and white, and I’ll be O.K. because I’ll order multiples in that jacket so that I can enjoy them for years to come. I’m not joking, either. I bought a jacket offered by QVC by another “designer” recently, and when I opened it along with others sitting around with me, the look of disappointment was obvious. The total consensus was to send it back immediately because the fabric looked “cheap.” That never happens with your clothing. I love quality, and I so love the clothes that you bring to us, and I’ll spend more for less to get that quality. Maybe I’m the exception, but I so hope others feel the same way. Given your post, I’m glad that I’ve bought so many things from your fall shows, and if I can’t rely on QVC any longer to provide us with your quality clothing, so be it. I won’t be hanging around for their cookware and lower quality clothing lines, though.
Lots of love,
Mackenzie
Dear Mackenzie,
Sorry to say that blazer was not reordered, but I promise there are wonderful things coming for spring and don’t worry about the quality going forward. I will always stand behind anything I bring you!…..regards, Louis
Thank you so much for your reassurances! I’m not ready to have the dessert tray taken away from me (i.e., your clothing being like a wonderful dessert!)
Louis, your last shows were great, as usual. I am another customer that cannot afford price increases. A small increase in the cost of the garment might be OK, but then add about 20% to the cost of the item for shipping and tax, and then it absolutely hurts. QVC has raised shipping costs beyond what I’m willing to pay. The shipping charges for the new items I ordered came to $66.00. That is immoral in my book, and I wouldn’t dream of paying it except for your wonderful collection. That said, I unfortunately have to draw the line somewhere.
Likely there are others of your fans who simply cannot afford the multiple increases: in items, shipping, and taxes. I’m very glad though that lots of ladies have the means to keep you at QVC because even if I get to the point that I cannot afford new purchases, it thrills me beyond belief to listen to your fashion sense. You are amazing and I wish you would write a book about yourself, the fashion industry, and your fashion philosophy.
Dear Sonia,
I know there are many women who feel the way you do.There isn’t much that I can say since so much of what goes on is totally out of my control. I can say my manufacturer and I do as much as we can to keep the prices as low as possible, short of going into the red. Please don’t give up. Things do come up on EZ pay and look for the items without S&H charges.
As for writing a book, I have thought of it often, but I’m afraid I’d get sued. I know way too much and it’s better that people think the business of “fashion” is glamorous…..LOL……….regards, Louis
LOL! Sounds like it is much the same as the interior design industry :-). I was just a Bag Lady with all that I hauled around all the time. And of course there is all the design rip-offs and intrigue, which I am sure is much the same. But if creating is what you gotta do, that’s what you do.
Louis, I’d buy your book in a heartbeat 🙂 Even in hard cover!
Wow Louis! I am so excited about these pieces! And you have really peaked my interest in the cardigan that comes in the perfectly pink, fawn and black. You say it is a vest sweater – I can’t quite imagine what it looks like, is it a shorter sweater or average or longer in length with buttons down the front? I am sure it will be spectacular – I am so looking forward to the crepe de shine blouse also and now that you say it can be worn nicely with the cardigan, well there you go, I must have it also. I plan on getting the pink and ivory blouse as they are such a staple for a wardrobe. And of course, the pucker fabric suit is just a must! I can imagine that right now and it is going to be beautiful! Thanks so much for beautiful designs!
Dear Carmille,
The vest sweater looks like a mens vest. It is in the same knit as the pencil skirt in the acrylic/wool, and is make exactly like the new V-neck tunic from the last shoe……meaning it is fully fashioned. It is aprox. 25 1/2 inches long for the XS. It has a V-neck, like a vest, it has a 5 button front and the bottom splits into an upside down V….like a vest. It looks great under jackets for that true menswear look. I especially like the black under the equestrian jacket or the chenille taupe and gray jackets. The pink under the gray looks great too. Of course I love it matched to the skirt with the faux de chine blouse.
The pucker suit is a killer!
………….regards, Louis
Louis, Kate said it best. I know the small increase in price will not stop me from buying your lovely LInea clothing. If only the PTB could explain to their customers what you go through to bring the best clothing at the most affordable prices. They need to go back and re-educate themselves and the consumer what QVC really means. We can’t afford to have a throw-away society anymore. I proudly wear my Linea, tell everyone who asks where I purchased my clothing, and continue to be hopeful when I read your blogs and find that you’re working on next year’s line! You continue to amaze us and delight us with your beautiful designs! Have a well-deserved rest today.
Yvonne – aka 2greys
Dear Yvonne,
It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. I appreciate it very much…that you appreciate everything we go through to bring you the best product at the best price that we possibly can. It is really shocking to me how much things have changed during the 11 years I have been with QVC. Every single thing that goes on in the world effects my business and my work. Wars, economy, weather disasters, famine etc. etc. all have an effect on what I can design and how much it will cost. Eleven years ago these things were hardly a consideration. Cotton and silk were plentiful, but global warming has changed all of that. The price of oil effects all synthetic fibers and the way they are produced.
Thank God for the creative people in the world you still strive to create beautiful things even with all the obstacles that are put in front of them.
I truly do appreciate all of you and ,as I have said before, I only do what I do because of you…………..best regards, Louis
Forgot to say that I really enjoyed your shows. Watched the 5AM one live and the 6PM one on DVR (lately my work schedule is close to 60 hours/week) so was still working during that show. Can’t wait for my items (12 with two more on wish list) to arrive. I feel like I get to have Christmas in October and then again in December with your Dec 9th show and maybe even a holiday in November depending on when your jewelry arrives.
Glad to hear the shows exceeded the expectation. Some of us were worried when items didn’t sell out but then thought there was a higher quantity (yeah) bought for these shows. It will allow me to try one of the chenille jackets for fit before getting the other colors. We are very mindful of returns causing styles we love not to be reordered.
FYI there may be a lot more customers coming your way because QVC has been slowly getting rid of all of the clothing lines that sell quality professional clothing and are starting to look at your line despite the bad hours based on the conversations on the boards. I am so glad we fought to keep you at QVC.
We appreciate all that you and Jac do and want you here for a very long time. Please keep your chin up for the upcoming difficulties and know that there are a lot of people here that want you to succeed.
Laura
Dear LauraL
Please let me know how the things you ordered work out for you. Of course I knew before the show that the quantities ordered for the 6pm show were larger than normal so I too was concerned during the show when I didn’t see those dam dots showing up!! LOL After the show, when I went to the producer to find out how we did I was expecting bad news. When “she” told me the numbers I said, “are you sure” and she said “absolutely, you did great”…..so you never know. Sometimes when you think the worst….it’s the opposite. Other times you think you blew it out of the water and you did OK. As I always say…..”you can only do what you can do”……………best regards, Louis
Louis,
One of the many things I admire about you and why I continue to buy your line of clothes is the quality of the fabric and treatments. I for one would much prefer to buy a few better quality items then lots of inferior goods. Actually I will only buy quality items. I have learned through the years you get what you pay for. Please continue to fight for good quality and I will continue to buy. I’m afraid QVC is trying to lump all of their shoppers in one bucket and that is far from the truth. There should be lines that cater to different styles, price points etc. I for one will continue to buy even if your price point increases because as far as I can tell it is still a great value. Although I would be perfectly happy if it didn’t.
Well the truth is we’re all very spoiled by your Linea quality and value. I think that the little bit of complaining about price is only because we want it ALL. If we only wanted a couple of pieces, no on would complain about the price of any one garment. Someone posted on one of the Linea Forum threads that we won’t be happy until we can get it for FREE! Ain’t that the truth!
I like silk, but honestly, I don’t like to have to dry clean my clothing, so I’m very happy to get quality poly pieces instead.
I say stick to your formula of what you know works, and see if you don’t have continued success. You know we love what you do!
crdlb
Dear Carol.
I am happy you are pleased with the poly faux de chine. I would never sell it if I didn’t think it was a quality fabric. The real silk crepe de chine fabrics are getting sooooo thin they feel like paper and are see thru. The good qualities cost a lot of money and would be at least a $200 to $300 shirt…..and more depending on the weight of the silk. Beware of silk shirts that cost less. In this case it is true, “you get what you pay for”. There is major concern with the production of silk because of the silk worms themselves. China is one of the only countries left to produce the natural fiber. People forget that it was China that created silk in the first place. They ship all of the fiber around the world to be spun and woven into fabric. Italy, which is the major producer of fine expensive silk, gets all of the yarn from China. Friend of mine in Como Italy who are silk weavers and printers tried to grow and produce their own silk from the worm. They invested a huge amount of money, but in the end failed……..So, as long as I can get synthetics that look and feel better than the silk I would be able to afford…..I’ll stick to the synthetics……..best regard, Louis
Oh, I forgot to add, I am so pumped about the December 9th show coming up, I am saving my pennies so I can get those pieces I want! You have some perfectly pink pieces that I so want even though I don’t know what they look like yet! You have two sweaters, one a cardigan and one with a mock cardigan with buttons and a bow? Sounds soooo cute – can’t wait. Also, on the pucker jacket, you had indicated that it is the same design only with long sleeves, of the previous jacket (A210370) in graphite. I have that jacket, so if it is the same design, I am so looking forward to getting that in both colors. Being in the business world, it is a staple for work. Seriously, recently, I looked at the price of jackets for Jones New York and could not believe how expensive they were. I am so lucky QVC ships to Canada! Thanks Louis!
Dear Camille,
There are quite a few things in Perfectly Pink on the Dec show. An acrylic/wool vest front long sleeve cardigan and the matching knit pencil skirt at the new 26 inch length. Two sweaters in the whisper knit [rayon/nylon blend], the classic turtle neck and the jewel neck sweater with the waist whittling ribs at the waist. It has a tie bow at the neck and it is a charming sweater without being too sweet. The last piece is the faux de chine shirt to wear with the skirt and cardigan….it really has the look of a Hitchcock heroine……think Tippi Hendron in “The Birds” or Kim Novack in “Vertigo”. It’s very classy. The faux de chine has a satin back so the satin is next to the skin. The shirt will also come in ivory and black. The pucker suits are incredible and in a Bergdorf’s catelogue would be at least $1200. I know you will love them!………..regards, Louis
You know LDO, I’m not sure it’s just a question of people being able to pay more. I certainly acknowledge the sour economy and resulting pull back in spending at retail. And, I also understand that expanding demand in other parts of the world has caused competition for raw materials thus driving up wholesale prices. But the issues with the Q are particular to that retailer because they built their business model on volume sales, and then trained their customer to think it is only price that matters. If your clothes were being sold at the same price at Bloomingdale’s would you still be seeing customer resistance to a 10% increase in cost over the previous year? I doubt it. The Q is in 100 million homes and that means they have access to many different customers, each of whom goes to the Q, not just to shop, but for an experience. For every million who demand Denim and Co, there are a potential million for whom your clothes are more relevant to their lifestyle and budget. A smart retailer realizes that a cookie cutter approach, while certainly easier, limits sales and drives off potential customers. I think someone at the Q gets this because your line is still on the channel, but I also think no one is willing to think outside the box to take full advantage of what your line could do for the perception of the channel by a more flush customer. In any case we know you will do your best to bring us your best and it is appreciated.
Hello Louis. I understand your dilemna regarding rising prices. But, being in the work force, your clothes are still so reasonable comparatively speaking to buying from Nordstroms, Macy’s etc. It is still the best quality, style and price around. I for one feel so priveledged to have you on QVC and able to buy your product. Keep up the fantastic work! I see Kate is on the same wave length as me! I had emailed you before regarding that amazing little pintucked shell that Kate is wearing with your sweater (A210359). I bought the sweater in the violet color (beautiful), now I want the shell, and it would be great in white, ivory, PERFECTLY PINK for sure, and possibly lavender? But ivory or white for sure and perfectly pink is a must!! We are going to start a campaign to bring it back somehow. I have been on the forum gathering the forces so to speak! Ha! Louis, it is a priviledge to be able to own your clothes. Thanks so much!
Dear Louis: I’m just watching my dvr of your 5am show. When Kate modeled the A210359 ribbon cardigan, she wore a pleated shell underneath. It was so pretty, and I’m hoping it’s not one of those pieces from a past collection that I’ve missed. Any chance it’s a new piece?
Hi Mary,
It is a vintage Linea piece. I have sketched it again for next fall but there is no guarantee that the buyers will select it………regards, Louis
Louis,
If there is one thing I trust in life, it’s the fact that I know you are working very hard to make sure your designs are high quality AND a good value. A good value is a relative term, with the cost of everything going up these days. I may not be able to afford as much, but I will always buy your designs. It is interesting to note that I don’t believe corporate salaries are increasing at the same rate as prices, if anything the net is going down due to rising insurance costs. At this point, other than my tall pants, your designs make up 90% of my wardrobe. Because you have a wardrobe building approach, I believe this is the most economical way of dressing. Things from past seasons go with your new designs and look like a whole new outfit. You do not need to worry about this buyer going astray! 🙂