Enough people, apparently, to make “premium denim” a significant couture category.
“It’s just a pair of jeans, I realize that,” said Ms. Leonard, who works for a liquor distributor in Manhattan. “But I wear two pairs every day, and I’d much rather go out and find something unique that you’re not going to see on every girl in New York.”
That is why Ms. Leonard was elated to uncover some import jeans sewn by a London label so obscure it is barely available on these shores.
The trousers, by All Saints, had slim straight legs and a stylized leather cross appliquéd just below the hip. Tea-stained lace trim adorned the hems and pockets. Without question there are people who would consider the price, a hefty $375, a deterrent. Ms. Leonard is not one of them.
“I don’t balk at $500 for a pair of shoes,” explained Ms. Leonard, who was shopping last month at Atrium, a boutique on Lower Broadway that is to premium denim what Barney Greengrass is to lox. “Why should I balk at that price for jeans that are special. ”
Of course, I’m sure there are purchase decisions I make that other folks shake their heads at. (Though Margie had a good point when we were grill shopping the other day — “I’m not going to buy a BBQ that costs the same as a house payment” — so I guess we’re not too crazy.) I guess the answer to the question, then, is “those who can afford it and who find enough intangible value in the purchase to make it worth-while.” Which, I suppose, describes most purchases, even those that make me shake my head …