You'll need two of them for your kid's room
This blogger was celebrating her birthday, apparently she woke up with a topknot bun on her head, and had a lovely breakfast spread that was colour coordinated to her home decor with the Moet label turned to face the camera. So lucky!
"Hermes Blanket - a must have (in my dreams)"
"Chic"
"so Classy!"
I loved this image of the stiffly draped blanket on the chair dead centre in the image.
Rather than paying $6,320 for a blanket, I'd suggest putting the money into better quality lamps/ the furniture in the room/ a decent rug/ some art/ your mortgage (or getting one in the first place if you're renting) instead of something you'll spill your cup of tea on and that the dogs will lounge around on when you leave the house for the day.
If I see another magazine spread with a carefully folded Avalon blanket- on- sofa in an otherwise ordinary interior/ or instagram photo of a nursery in a suburban brick veneer house with the $2,000 baby version folded over the cot I shall scream.
Baby version
No expensive blanket could save this room
So before you buy your $6,320 blanket to impress on your friends that you have more taste and money than them, think about what it might impress on a few others - that you (or your dog) are in fact lounging on a modern day version of The Emperors New Clothes. Although I suppose at least it will keep you warm when you can't afford to turn the heating on.
All images via Pinterest by typing in "Hermes Blankets"
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About Me
- Heidi
- Architect & Interior Designer. Mother of three. A sometimes Cook, Baker, Reader, Gardener, Fashion Lover, Renovator, Writer of random things in South Australia email me on anadelaidevilla@bigpond.com
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Bravo!
ReplyDeleteGrazie!
Deletelol "No expensive blanket could save this room"!
ReplyDeleteThat may have been a little harsh…but I did look at it and think a rug would have been a better investment than the blanket!
DeleteHear Hear Heidi, Ditto on all accounts.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn xx
Thank you Marilyn :)
DeleteOh my gosh laughing here in absolute relief, I've been noticing this but trying to ignore, it seems lately the Hermes blanket accessory has been reaching a feverish pitch too. Good heavens the baby version on the cot! XO
ReplyDeleteOh the Instagram and Pinterest pics have finally driven me over the edge! Hermes must be very pleased at all the College girls who are buying up these blankets for their dorm rooms etc.
DeleteThe baby version just makes me shudder - all the expenses that come with having a baby and this is what they spend $2,000 on?
All I can see are dollar signs for Hermes! Only need to sell 1.000 blankets to rake in 6 million plus dollars. Wow talk about money for jam!!!!
Deletelove this post. Thanks Den xxx
Now you put it like that Den it is a good racket!! x
DeleteI don't care what you say, I still want one. Spoilsport.
ReplyDeleteYours in Frugality and High End French Antiques x
Haha - but of course you want one! It would look right at home on your antiques too. xx
DeleteAlso, I live for The Cloak of Luxury. x
ReplyDeleteLuxury is an interesting concept now - it's not really attached to scarcity anymore. More just attached to spending lots of money. I'm often reminded of my Estee Lauder bio where she marketed her skin care by making it deliberately expensive knowing that women wanted to believe that by spending a lot of money on the skin care it was therefore better for their skin than something cheap. Kind of fascinates me the whole psychology behind it all. xx
Deleteluxury to me these days is time to do what I want, comfort, cosiness, a well run home and delicious food.
Deletesuch an interesting post x
I want all those things too - and they're definitely scarce! xx
Deleteyou should do a post on luxury next x
DeleteCoulnd'g agree more! (inter nos, to be honest and sincere I don't know what would I do if I had that amount of money to spend......I suppose I would spend money on vacation retreats, houses and cultural life. But I also know that social status pressure can be addictive)
ReplyDeleteSocial pressure is definitely addictive with these things - I feel sorry for all the 20 year olds reading blogs with photos like the ones above and thinking it's reflective of real life (not staged) and that they need this stuff to be happy too. x
DeleteHere Here surprised you stopped at blankets. If someone's got $6000 to spend on a blanket I describe that as ridiculous. What about the stereo typical styling of houses for sale surely the buyers see through that. The trend for grey reminds me of mission brown a lot of people are still trying to eradicate that oh I could go on . How about a bit of individuality a house that's a home. As for luxury skin care go to DJ's buy there cleanser big bottle $19.95 slather it on then apply and equal cheap moisturizer you'll feel like a millionaire.
ReplyDeleteI think its one of those things that if you have loads of money to spend on things it's not exactly a problem to spend 6K on a blanket - they are very soft and warm (!)… but it's more the people without a lot of money that buy the blanket and don't spend the money on other things with more substance that I have a problem with. But you do have a point that often times the cheaper things will do the same job. I'm pretty sure you can find a very soft and warm cashmere blanket for probably a fraction of the price of the H one. x
DeleteRefreshing! I own Hermes scarves, but when I see several bloggers buying everything H in sight, I cringe at the thought of buying H solely because it is H.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
I do love an H scarf as well Cynthia - they are true works of art. I do think H have a problem looming though as you said with people buying things just because they are H (and buying all of it) and wanting to show off their wealth. It used to be H was the discreet label that you had to be in the know to recognise, but I think all the WAGs and Kardashians and Pop and Rap stars/ Hollywood celebs have put paid to that as they're all carting it around now.
DeleteOh dear. The riff raff are buying. God forbid sounds a bit offensive to me.
DeleteI think its more about buying it as a status symbol that is recognisable that is the offensive part.
DeleteWho is not guilty of that to some extent at some time in their life? I'm grateful that they're making an attempt at creating a welcoming home. Offensive? They aspire to better good for them.
DeleteWhy on earth is "better" linked to what they can purchase that has obvious branding/ logos attached? Being a better person doesn't have anything to do with what you wear or carry. Their accomplishments and success should stand on their own merits without the need to carry a bag to show that.
DeleteHow refreshing honesty is Heidi! Look at what Sex in the City did for those shoes! The rugs in those environments are having the reverse effect on me, they look cheap and tacky. What's happened when we're falling over ourselves for a rug with an oversized H on it.
ReplyDeleteVicki.
Sex and the City and expensive shoes are a whole other post Vicki! Couldn't agree more with you. The post has been bubbling away in my head for a while as every time I log onto Pinterest there is a photo in my news feed with a blanket in it. So ubiquitous, and a lot of the rooms are just so ordinary and would have never made it to Pinterest but for the blanket factor. x
DeleteDamn! I was thinking one would make my knackered old sofa look more classy......
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, this made me snort with laughter! Fabulous post, Heidi!
Haha Ruth! But if you have a knackered old sofa the 6k could definitely get you a much nicer new one…! Nice to see you on the blog! I've missed yours (post please!!) xx
DeleteHeidi, hold on for a wild ride... you have opened a very big pandora's box. There are in fact very many 'must have' items which fall into the Emperor's New Clothes variety. Another one, which almost dares not speak it's name, is Aboriginal art. There has been been some informed debate in the art world lately about just what is good and what is bad Aboriginal art and the fact that its so totally and utterly un-pc to even ask the question. You gotta be very brave to even broach the subject. I love much Aboriginal art. But I hate the trash which is often sold under that label. And back to one of your pet hates... the Block. Don't you just love the 'art' which is used in almost every room.
ReplyDeleteI was reading an article in the paper about the same topic a while ago Judith. Very interesting topic, about not being able to criticise the modern Aboriginal art as you will then be perceived as racist, and conversely that not being able to criticise the art is damaging to it as its not developing the Art and giving it the same rigour that other Artists are subjected to in developing their style/ art.
DeleteAs for the block - yes, a lot of decorator art is put into it. I'm often reminded of the fads in Modern Art at Auction houses - the old, traditional stuff that is reasonably well executed is not sold for much compared to modern art of questionable standards hung in a modern gallery.
Knockoffs of the design shall abound, a la Burberry plaid
ReplyDeleteI think they do already - type in replica Hermes Avalon Blanket and you'll find them! The young bloggers with the real deal like to photograph themselves with the bag in hand leaving the shop. Then they get their moneys worth by using the box as a prop somewhere conspicuous in their house.
DeleteHarsh but funny and fair! As I read this I glanced to my right where the week's washing is laid out on the couch. Artfully draped is one of the boys' Collingwood football club towels. Dear god.
ReplyDeleteAh yes - you've pretty much described the scene on my sofa as I was folding laundry today too. Although have to say that there would be no Collingwood towels allowed in my house! We go for Carlton. Apparently.
DeleteThank you for the smiles, Heidi, great post!
ReplyDeletePleasure! Glad you found it amusing WFF
DeleteMy belly hurts from laughing so hard. Great post Heidi.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed Engracia! Have a lovely weekend x
DeleteI want one. Not for any of the reasons you so eloquently slated but because I like it. Is that ok? Or does Hermes purchases now require proof you don't buy high street furnishings. Each to their own.
ReplyDeleteI'd question the wisdom of buying a very expensive blanket just because it has H's all over it. Ask yourself if you'd want it if it wasn't recognisably Hermes - just a coloured wool and cashmere blanket with a discreet label somewhere on the underside. Would you still want to spend $6,000 on it? Probably not. But it's OK if you want one KL - as shown on Pinterest/ blogs/ magazines a lot of people love The Blanket.
DeleteOh no. I want it because it's Hermes. I haven't bought it because no, I have other fiscal priorities. But I do not judge those who have priorities different from mine. The poor buying Hermes. The well off buying at vinnies. Is there a difference? Wisdom has little to do with such decisions. Nor morals or etiquette. Each to their own without judgement.
DeleteI'm questioning the wisdom of people buying something they can't afford to buy into a dream that they have had (very successfully) marketed to them. In the end it is just a very expensive blanket. I doubt any one of those bloggers/ young girls etc would be buying it if it had no visible branding on it. If you choose to buy something because it has very visible branding to show status and wealth over buying furniture/ art/ a house first without actually thinking about WHY you want that thing - then you have in fact been hoodwinked by a mass market item produced by a multi national conglomerate that has been successfully marketed as scarce luxury. And yes, there is a difference between the rich buying at Vinnies and the poor buying at Hermes. One can't afford where they're shopping. It also has nothing to do with morals or etiquette. I'm sorry you've found this post so offensive KL - you may find the tv series from a long time ago by Alain de Botton called Status Anxiety interesting to view though. A lot of what I'm trying to get at is explained in a much better way than I have here.
DeleteI agree , eternallcons, this post is written by a very jelly person, i hope you will love and enjoy your Hermes blanket, and if bloggers want to be bitter and jealous, well, this says a lot more about THEM than you
DeleteHa ha, the penny just dropped, Heidi wants a Hermes blanket because it has her initial H all over it, lol lol
DeleteHILARIOUS!!!
Sigh. Whatever, anon. Glad you got a laugh. That was the whole point of the post actually.
DeleteDear annon. Please do not interpret my comments as deriding Heidi. At no point have I said or implied that I thought she was 'jealous' or 'bitter'. I have the utmist respect for her and always find her post extremely well informed. Discussing a difference in opinion is one thing, being personally rude is another. Interesting that you hide under Anon. Please do not 'agree' with me by inserting your own opinion.
DeleteI had no idea a $6,000 Hermes blanket was the latest status symbol to permeate the internet! I'm with Vicki: "No expensive blanket could save this room" is my favorite. I have nothing against high-end goods. Goodness knows I've bought enough of them, but nothing with a logo that calls attention to itself. A painfully obvious logo, like this blanket's, looks like the owner is trying too hard. Just as with overdone clothes, hair, and makeup, that desperation is less than chic. It's also discomfiting to witness. I read somewhere that it is absolutely in good taste to have your name embroidered on the lining of your fur coat in the same color as the lining. That combination of quality and offhandedness makes a luxury good seem desirable, at least to me. These Hermes blankets in interiors that so badly need improvements in substantive ways make the rest of the room seem shabbier, not more luxurious. This is a mistake I would expect teenagers, not thinking adults, to make.
ReplyDeleteYou haven't been spending enough time on Pinterest! Funnily enough after writing the post I went onto pinterest to find another blanket picture in my newsfeed (pinned by someone I follow on Pinterest).
DeleteLuxury is such an interesting concept these days - it's always had something to do with unattainability (the wait list etc), but that's no longer really the case. I think there is a move toward more bespoke custom detailing. Really, that is what the interiors that used the blanket in the first place were - custom designs by top Interior Designers full of unique, special things. The blanket was just a side accessory. But somewhere along the way the blanket was interpreted as the unique, special thing by a lot of others. Interesting comment you make on it making other things look shabbier as a result too...
"Ask yourself if you'd want it if it wasn't recognisably Hermes - just a coloured wool and cashmere blanket with a discreet label somewhere on the underside. Would you still want to spend $6,000 on it?"
ReplyDeleteExactly!
They do make plain ones too...
DeleteI think this is a funny post BC well - it's true! Thing is...I have one. Baby version and in cashmere but oddly my brothers dog likes Manuel canovas pillows much more. I haven't taken a pic of it ( and you've been me internet mate for a few years now so you would have remembered). It's very easy to take BC it's recognisable and a crowd pleaser. Even more than candles or pastel baked goods. But I think some rely on the blanket too heavily and it's the decor version of Jimmy choo shoes that most women overextend themselves for. It's not so much the blanket as some might think but a symptom of a syndrome. I know someone who bought it and is still paying for his but he justified it BC he says he spends a third of his life in bed where as he wouldn't wear a suit as often...I let it go BC it brings him joy and he's not on social media but he's got no savings no home and a credit card limit that's fast being reached. That makes me sad and so now when I go to his flat I just ask myself when that blanket will fully belong to him but not Barclays. Great post H xx
ReplyDeleteSo funny about the dog and the MC cushions! That Milly is super spoilt to reject the H blanket and favour the Manuel instead (but definitely has good taste!!). Funny comment too about the blanket being equal to the macarons and diptyque candles with the blogger. It does get a bit tick a box good taste. But you don't need the head pats for having the blanket the way a lot of the other insta girls do, so I think that's why you don't want to feature it in posts etc - in actual fact you have much more interesting stuff to feature - like the galleries you visit, places you travel to, old things you've found at auction etc etc.
DeleteI do feel bad about your friend though. I suppose maybe its a bit of escapism for him from his situation?
Catching up on the comments. Whoa. Here I thought it was about a post on decor and the over reliance of one object! I must say your title summarises your point! I have one s d wasn't offended!!! Is it wrong to have a critical eye and opinion? I suppose you went against the blogging grain of saying everything is fabulous darling?!? I didn't get one hint of envy! I'll trade you your pool for my blanket any day!
DeleteWell I thought it was a fairly light hearted post pointing out the obvious, but the comments seem to have been derailed by a few anons thinking I meant something else. xx
DeleteEven if the room isn't by ikkyer using something so obvious is really naff – about as naff as … well, you said it all and I needn't add my two cent's worth, except that aspiration is such a horridly addictive way of life and on Sunday we call it Envy.
ReplyDeleteGood point about Envy. I often wonder if the reason why there has been such a rise in blatant consumerism is directly linked to the decline of spirituality and church teaching about the opposite. I can honestly say that I don't know anyone that goes to church regularly on a Sunday (including me - and in Australia church attendance figures are very low now), and perhaps the loss of this message, and the filling of the void with material 'stuff' instead is linked.
DeleteFantastic post Heidi... I laughed out loud at parts: so true and excellently written. I love the photo of the blogger - she found the time to do full make-up, etc and her boyfriend got the memo about theming the gift wrap. Where my husband is from (Arizona) they have an expression: "20k millionaire", which I love - it sums it up so well. I life on credit. Please please people, there is no need to buy an ikea sofa if you are even considering spending $6k on a blanket! Argh... we are living in the Kardashian world! xx
ReplyDeleteI love that expression! I'm going to start using it. You're right about a life of credit too. Strangely too I think for a lot of people they can justify the cost of a status symbol (and the interest they're paying on their credit card for it) more so than an expensive piece of long lasting furniture (for instance). It is a Kardashian world. Unfortunately.
DeleteGosh Heidi - I'm floored reading some of the comments here... quite controversial. I don't think that you were being bitchy at all - just making an observation (which I agree with wholeheartedly). I do think that it is most gracious of you not to delete some of the horrid 'anonymous' comments: I think those sorts of comments would really offend and bother me!
DeleteWho knew the Miracle Blanket was such a controversial topic. Especially given that the people offended don't own it. Regarding the more personally vitriolic comments- there are a lot of women with Borderline Personality Disorder out there, it really has nothing to do with me and everything to do with them.
DeleteIndeed H
DeleteSorry no pun intended hehe
DeleteHa!
DeleteGood one Naomi hehe
DeleteHeidi I think it's ridiculous that you've got these anonymous comments with swearing and personal attacks and of course there isn't a name put to the comment: isn't that always the way. Very difficult to read quite frankly, why are some people so quick to judge and insult others, imagine leaving a comment like that and pressing anon publish... it's about them not you that's 100% true.
I was just discussing your blog with my sister-in-law the other day, she discovered it through my blog and she loves it, she's a talented decorator and she just really appreciates the value of your posts (as I do)... you've given me plenty of good advice during my renovations etc, thank you for your blog and don't let these ridic venomous comments get you down. XO
That's so nice about your sister in law, and so kind of you to say that about the posts. Don't worry I certainly haven't let the comments get me down. The anon comments were from the same two people most of which I just deleted, but I did publish a couple to show what irrational weirdos they were.Taking the supposed moral high ground because I've pointed out a 6k blanket is not going to enable a miraculous transformation, and doing so by leaving anonymous abuse is just laughable. xx
DeleteYou're just jelly cause these ladies can afford such a beautiful blanket to make their rooms bespoke! Just cause you live in such a depressing porkect house full of super A-mart doesn't mean you should take it out on ..Jokes jokes!...
ReplyDelete"...interiors where the fact that the interior also featured lacquered walls, custom made upholstery in fine quality fabrics, and original art that all combined to give the room a feel of substance and quality… " Couldn't agree more. Spending money on just one of these things will improve a room way more than a blanket.
I think as with handbags these are all about the status items being used to conceal the cheapness and lack of real knowledge/research into what makes a good interior. And there are plenty of pushers beyond celeb's- "buzzfeed 26 ways to make your bedroom luxe". But still in America (and other countries) status matters more than quality or taste.
So good for you alcoholic bun girl! You keep drinking from polo mugs and wrapping gifts poorly, your blanket means you've made it!
-- Rohan
Thanks for the laugh Rohan! Love your last paragraph especially. Can you please write a blog too? I have a feeling it would be very amusing.
DeleteThis post actually screams " HEIDI wants a Hermes Avalon blanket"
ReplyDeleteAre you always this angry and bitter, or did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? Sans Hermes Avalon blanket, of course
A little bird told me that FF is coveting said blanket
J XX
No, not bitter, angry or wanting an expensive blanket. But interesting that's what you took away from this post.
DeleteFF said herself up the comments she wants one. Which is fine. She has a lovely, eclectic, warm home with interesting things in it. The blanket wouldn't be the sole feature of her house.
Designer labels have passed me by, but I covet that lovely dog.
ReplyDeleteThe dog is pretty cute. And certainly looks content!
DeleteGreat post Heidi - but wow, it has certainly created some discussion!! I must have had my head in the sand - I didn't even realise "H" made blankets!! I think I will stick with my cosy blanket from Bed, Bath & Table which only cost $69.95 and use the savings for my trip to Hong Kong next month. Still laughing at your "nothing could save this room" comment. Thanks for asking after my family in your reply to my last comment - everyone is well - youngest is having wisdom teeth out on Friday and my oldest is just finishing off the final touches to his Uni honours project (Mining Engineering) and leaves for his graduate job in three weeks. Will miss him heaps, even though he will only be an hour's plane ride away Just grateful he has a job - especially with the resources sector so vulnerable. Have a great week. Jo xx
ReplyDeleteHi Jo, yes, the comments have been very interesting on this one! Your upcoming trip sounds wonderful but wow - can't believe you're almost through Uni with your oldest. You must feel like time has absolutely flown. Hope all goes well for him with his placement. He is indeed lucky to have found work -the first job is always the hardest so to have found something with the big downturn is very fortunate indeed. Hope all goes well for him (and you with your slightly emptier nest) xx
DeleteHi Heidi
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and have actually never commented before . I agree superficially but also think it is a bit mean . We are all victims of marketing forces and many of us - myself included - make poor choices - driven by thinking we will be cooler, more acceptable if we buy certain labels - look at the Missoni at target, Collette Dinnigan at Aldi campaigns - so who cares what people buy and post on Pinterest - if it makes them happy so be it
I've made my own poor choices as well RC, but I do use the blog to question where the pack is currently directing us. I see an awful lot of people following the siren call of a very expensive blanket at the moment. Of course people can do whatever they want with their money (or credit, which was more the thrust of the post). Designer goods are in fact not scarce, and with credit easily available now they are open to anyone to buy. I have to say I've found the comments very interesting - who knew a humble $6k blanket could cause such controversy?!
DeleteAs always - well written, to the point and down right funny Heidi!!.... This now begs the question as to whether it is possible to procure FAKE Hermes Avalon Blankets??.... I could never spend this kind of money on making this kind of statement!!. I loved reading this post - well done!! xx
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post Jenny - and yes, if you google "replica" there are a lot of fakes.. it's not exactly a difficult design to replicate. xx
DeleteCould not agree more, redgate, all this pettiness over a blanket, for heavens sake
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there are no labels or designer stuff in Heidi's house, lol, so what if someone wants and owns a blanket, since when was that a federal crime? I think Heidi has too much time on her hands and needs to get offline and attend to her husband and children, instead of the blog/Pinterest obsession which is clearly not healthy, and the inspiration for these rather bitchy blog posts. I'm off to check out faux fuschia, and Romey's blogs, they are much nicer to visit and are devoid of the jealousy and hatred, and private school girl bitchiness.
Faux fuschia loves designer clobber etc but she is never a biarch about others choices
DeleteFaux fuschia also mixes high end clothing and accessories with budget mass produced items, and she looks fantastic, so why not do the same with homewares and blankets?
I own designer stuff, but it's not because of the label attached (I hope). And yes, I'm just as susceptible to marketing as anyone else, however I often use the blog to question it. That's not exactly an unhealthy thing to do.
DeleteI mix high and low in my own home, but put my large monetary investments into things of substance. A $6k blanket doesn't have that in my opinion. Each to their own. There are an awful lot of blog posts/ buzz feed articles shouting out about the miracle blanket. If you want to buy it then knock yourself out. But if looking at mixing high and low, I'd suggest putting money into quality/comfort (furniture) over a blanket (decoration) as a better place to start. If you'd read my blog for any length of time you'd know that was the entire basis for the way I approach design.
Great post!! The same could be said about the Hermes Birkin bag.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I have the strength to discuss The Bag! xx
DeleteHeidi
ReplyDeleteThanks for the laughs for making me take a good, long hard look at myself.
I don't speak for everyone guilty of mixing Ikea with more refined furniture and design houses but here's my two cents.
I've come to the conclusion over these last 40 years that I have Ikea taste, at best, when it comes to home furnishings. I do also, however, have a number of beautiful gifts that have been given to me by my discerning friends over the years. This recent house move made me want to put the gifts all out on display and not have them languish in their boxes in my cupboards. Which is how my house has come to be a the Switzerland of interiors.
I'm under no illusions that my crystal or silver elevates my humble white furniture and I also have enough insight to have not pinterested or instagrammed my efforts as examples of interiors to aspire to. But I do look around my house and smile at the memories my gifts bring back.
Hope I don't sound ranty or defensive, I just wanted to have a bit of a natter about me :-)
SSG xxx
Your house sounds like a lovely - personal - reflection of you SSG (and of your family and friends), and I am a big advocate of using your good stuff and not letting it languish in cupboards. My problem comes more from people thinking a single blanket will elevate all else, and outlaying a large amount of money on that, over things that would make a more substantial long term difference to their interior. As someone said up thread, if you can go out and outlay $6k on a blanket you can afford a better quality sofa (which will be more comfortable). I have IKEA furniture in my house, I certainly mix high and low, but I think if everything you own is of cheap generic quality (because you can in fact buy things inexpensively that are good quality - secondhand/ auctions etc etc) then spending your hard earned money on a $6k blanket is a waste. But it's certainly been interesting to see how emotional a lot of people have become over this topic in the comments over what I had thought was a light hearted bit of fluff post.
DeleteSSG, I love displaying gifts from friends- so many great memories! I've recently been given some beautiful pieces that were my great Grandmother's and I love looking at them on display. You treasure them so much more I think, because of their history, and the stories they tell. If that makes sense .
Deletex
I have very strong opinions on luxury and love this discussion. But won't join in much due to throwing stones/glass houses (do you use that expression down there?). I have been very guilty of stuff like this at some points and can't say much about it now. It's funny because I recently bought a stunning handmade wool blanket that looks to be nothing special but feels truly luxurious. One of my friends saw it last week and said "one of those H blankets would look so good there!". I rolled my eyes and said "those aren't my look".
ReplyDeleteI had to divorce myself from fashion obsession as it was truly becoming physically threatening to me in the measures I would take to look a certain way. So stuff like this, littered in logos, is easy for me to see as a trap. But I have no room to feel high and mighty...considering the other dumb stuff I spend on. I just hope the dogs and children know they may be orphaned if they puke on it.
We do use those expressions! I think this is a trap that younger people in particular are susceptible to, hence the popularity with the 20 year old bloggers. I have my Chanel belt with the massive CC logo on it (it was the late 80's, there was kind of a Rapper thing going on with it in a way and it matched my big earrings) but I was 14/15 when I bought that, and I'd like to think that 25 years later I don't need to shove an enormous logo in peoples faces that doesn't have a lot else going for it, aside from holding up some jeans.
DeleteI've read some of your previous descriptions of your fashion looks Stephen Andrew and honestly, you're just so funny. I like to think we all need a bit of a sense of humour about all of this. It is after all just stuff and your last comment about the dogs and kids puking on it is perfect!! x
Great post as always. Particularly appreciate the tone. Not too PC! I remember being put off by the house we currently live in because the previous tenant had a number of orange boxes on display on her cheap pine dresser, no bedhead, cheap sheets while downstairs there was no dining table in the meals area. Instead there was an oversize billiard table and a collection of bourbon bottles on display.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds a little like the movie "The Other Man" (starring Liam Neeson) set in Italy, where he goes to confront the man who had an affair with his late wife. The other man wears sharp tailored suits, looks the part of a successful businessman, but is in reality the janitor of an apartment block living in a basement room. It was all on the outside.
DeleteGeez Heides, I reckon you've just knocked the crown of 'The Blog World's Funniest Blogger' right off my head & I didn't feel a thing!!! It was like your voice came right through my phone speaking these words to me in a very ticked off tone. Right on Sister, putting one of those pricey blankets on anything that cost less than it is dumb. Kinda like trying to stick a Maserati badge over the Suziki Swift one with Super Glue & thinking all is right with the world. Love your work girl, the crown's all yours.
ReplyDeleteM xx
Ha! Only my friends usually say they hear my voice talking to them when they read my posts. Must be a bit irritating really…
DeleteThanks for the laugh though and glad you enjoyed the post Millie! The blog world misses your posts… x
Looks like I missed quite the party here Heidi! Your post did make me chuckle and then almost drop my tea cup when I read how much that blanket cost. Insanity, nothing short.
ReplyDeleteWell it's been probably the most comments on a single post, which is interesting! Must've been the catchy title.. Yes, insanity. If someone gave me $6230 and told me I had to spend it in Hermes I'd say that I'd be bringing home some China and maybe a couple of scarfs. No blanket!
DeleteJust arrived home yesterday and have begun catching up on fave blogs. Really amazed at how this post has touched a raw nerve with some, the angst and umbrage – and the number of responses. But as always it’s your clever good sense and judgment – and sense of humour. Can’t imagine spending $6ooo on a blanket, particularly if children or dogs might lie on it. Way out of my range – though can imagine it might look divine in the right setting.
ReplyDeleteWas awfully tempted in Paris at an antiques fair in June – a vintage textiles dealer friend of ours had a magnificent old Provencal boutis for sale that I fell in love with. It was rather expensive though and also he did a double take when I said I was thinking of using it as a throw over the divan in our family room. “You don’t mean you’d actually sit on such a beautiful piece from 1820!” I could see he wanted this to go to a “good home” and had suddenly decided our home and plans did not really fit the bill. So I decided against, after all it would have cost us about 750 euros. But still a lot cheaper than the Hermes blanket! Even now I continue to lament deciding not to buy. I would have treasured it – even if using it to sit on. But G thought almost 800 euros for a throw was excessive and cautioned against.
Still love Hermes though, specially the scarves - they're works of art! and also have a passion for the clic-clac bangles and CdeCs, and other designers like Chanel. It's great fun buying the old CC brooches and other things in brocantes - there are a couple of great stall holders at the Nice market who occasionally have lovely pieces at fair prices. Also I think your belt from your teen years is great fun! Pammie xxx
That's a very passionate dealer unwilling to make a sale to ensure the fabric is used the way he wanted it to be used! I actually think the thing with the blanket is that it tends to detract from everything else in the room - your eye is drawn to the giant typography first. After that you look around and see the rest. If I design a room I prefer that people look at the overall first, then hone in on the details. Not a single detail first, then take in the rest (and in some of the images that can be very bad!). I had wondered where you were P, and glad to hear you've just been jetting around again, was worried you'd caught a Spring bug xx
DeleteThe textiles dealer is the brother of a French friend and we've known him for a couple of years. He really is very learned and passionate about what he sells - thus perhaps a bit over-protective of them. I might have mentioned him to you - one of his best customers (and good friends) is Catherine Deneuve. It's how we met her last year. Some of his textiles are really museum quality.
DeleteAgree about preferring the overall room look rather than one thing which people call having "wow factor". I like layers that you take in gradually and a general warm happy ambience.
Yes, did have a bug after Hobart - actually early stage pneumonia - but recovered now and fine. We had a fabulous long stay in Sydney and came home to the garden at its best - the roses have gone quite mad. Luckily we have a wonderful uni student (Architecture - and she's not liking it much at this stage either) who looks after things while we're away. So sorry I missed you in Sydney! Pammie xx
Somehow I missed this - but it's very clever and relevant. Marketing is a very powerful tool - the mark up on that blanket must be huge... (And I have a cashmere throw on my sofa - and an alpaca one - didn't pay anywhere near 6k for them though!)
ReplyDeleteEr, the Hermes Avalon doesn't cost $6k - although it is still pricey and not what a room should be based around....
ReplyDeleteThe price was on the Hermes website for the large blanket version, in Australian dollars, at the time of writing the blog post. The baby version/ smaller throw rug is cheaper though, which may be what you're thinking of?
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