The unofficial Drake's London Appreciation Thread

[vida]

Did anyone else think the overshirts were just too boxy in the fit? Had they been a bit slimmer, they would have been ideal IMO.

Yes, they look boxy to me, also. I think a lot of Drake’s offerings look that way unless styled to be fitted. Not necessarily traditionally cut, just full to fit every man.

 

[radfad20000`]

How does drake have a mid century7high rise with such a low front rise? Anyone have any back rise measurements, im guessing that some of the trousers have a 17-17.5 inch back rise with a 11-11.2 front rise for a 32.

 

[catchh]

I used to really like Drake’s, but all these sales and now this archive sale has really cheapened the brand.

It reminds me of cheap stores in malls constantly having huge signs in their front windows saying SALE 50% off everything and never taking them down.

 

[smittycl]

I used to really like Drake’s, but all these sales and now this archive sale has really cheapened the brand.

It reminds me of cheap stores in malls constantly having huge signs in their front windows saying SALE 50% off everything and never taking them down.

I think every retailer is hurting during the pandemic and maybe forced to take measures they would have normally avoided?

 

[justridiculous]

I used to really like Drake’s, but all these sales and now this archive sale has really cheapened the brand.

It reminds me of cheap stores in malls constantly having huge signs in their front windows saying SALE 50% off everything and never taking them down.

Drake's just can't seem to catch a break. Some people don't like that their prices keep going up, others don't like that they do markdowns.

 

[CorozoButton]

I think every retailer is hurting during the pandemic and maybe forced to take measures they would have normally avoided?

Couldn't agree more with this. I understand that in SF circles, Drake's are a huge brand, but maybe some people would be surprised at just how few employees there are in the company.

Yes, they have to keep in mind that decisions regarding sales can alter brand perception, but they also have loyal staff members who they want to avoid firing/furloughing if possible. Not to mention suppliers that also rightly deserve to be paid, and maybe bringing in some cashflow by selling goods at near cost was the only way to do so.

Judging smaller brands for having sales in a global crisis isn't the way.

 

[smittycl]

Drake's just can't seem to catch a break. Some people don't like that their prices keep going up, others don't like that they do markdowns.

I prefer to be simultaneously grumpy and satisfied with them at most levels. Like a sparky marriage.

 

[CasuallyWorked]

Drake's just can't seem to catch a break. Some people don't like that their prices keep going up, others don't like that they do markdowns.

smh pretty much, just have enjoy the products and the price, I can't ever be mad getting a drakes product on sale. As long as the quality, cut, etc stays good, no problems with me

 

[subdivide]

I used to really like Drake’s, but all these sales and now this archive sale has really cheapened the brand.

It reminds me of cheap stores in malls constantly having huge signs in their front windows saying SALE 50% off everything and never taking them down.

Awwwww...

Should they drink wine and brandy? Or get a job putting stripes on candy? Or put a hole in donuts? Because when you make this uninspired comparison, your middle name is "so what?"

 

[dieworkwear]

Was that ... was that a rap?

 

[subdivide]

Was that ... was that a rap?

That's the cheesy rat blues. Yo run the jewels, run the jewels...

 

[TheShetlandSweater]

Drake's just can't seem to catch a break. Some people don't like that their prices keep going up, others don't like that they do markdowns.

I think there is middle ground: more reasonable prices and smaller sales--you know, like what Drake's used to do (and what many other stores do--NMWA is a good example). Perhaps the other model is better for business, but it is not better for creating a dedicated fan-base. When I see an $800 coat selling for $200 or a $300 shirt selling for $100, I become very skeptical that product prices were ever remotely reasonable.

 

[dieworkwear]

I think there is middle ground: more reasonable prices and smaller sales--you know, like what Drake's used to do (and what many other stores do--NMWA is a good example). Perhaps the other model is better for business, but it is not better for creating a dedicated fan-base. When I see an $800 coat selling for $200 or a $300 shirt selling for $100, I become very skeptical that product prices were ever remotely reasonable.

Don't think this has ever been the case. I wrote my first article about Drake's in 2011. It was for StyleForum's newly formed "editorial" section. The story was an interview with Michael Hill. This was before Michael bought the company and before Drake's had a clothing line.

Q&A with Michael Hill of Drake's conducted by Derek Guy of StyleForum (Part 1 of 2)

Pictured above: Michael Drake (left) and Michael Hill (right) An Interview with Michael Hill of Drake's by Derek Guy of StyleForum, Put This On, and Die, Workwear! It has been said that Drake’s offers English taste the way the Italians or French might imagine it. Generally speaking, English...

www.styleforum.net

Among the very first comments was a complaint about Drake's prices.

It was a theme that would be repeated endlessly in that thread.

The next few pages were just tons and tons of arguing about Drake's prices and whether the designs are "in good taste." Basically, a theme that has continued in this thread for the last few years.

I think is partly a function of who's more likely to find Drake's appealing. The designs have always been slightly whismical, but classic. They appeal to younger guys and guys who are just getting into classic clothing. The prices have also always been luxury tier.

Most people back then bought Drake's stuff on sale. StyleForum guys are rarely the type to buy Drake's stuff at full price, or anything at full price, because they're savvy discount shoppers. Back then, Drake's stuff went on sale twice a season -- mid-season and end-of-season -- like almost all brands. That's still the case today. They hold two sales per season, and added this factory store sale because they're moving factories. Whether that move is related to the 'rona, I don't know.

 

[platinumtooth]

When I see a coat that I want go from $800 to $200, I BUY THAT ****.

 

[BLAUGRANA]

I'm assuming I'm not the only one who keeps seeing his size available and yet is unable to add it to his cart?