Beware A Case of Brand Aid

I was in the dry cleaners today and noticed they had typed a polite notice to advise their clients with expensive gowns, of the sequined and bejeweled variety, that they have been experiencing an increase in damage of late. Therefore they could no longer take responsibility for this. So let's think that through a bit in regards to the fashion, or more particularly, the haute couture world. The ladies they are advising are not buying cheap you can be sure of that. These gowns are being bought from high class pushers of gowns for the discerning lady. The owner explained to me that in the old days beads and sequins were hand sewn individually and so if one lost its thread it fell, alone, now they are on strings and so if one falls they all fall. I think there's a bigger metaphor here which would take us to globalisation and its perils, but for another time. Back to the gowns, so perhaps and probably, this new way of finishing the garment will have manufacturing and economy at its heart, and that means there is less hand craft in each garment. Is there less cost to each garment? I suspect that the original values of haute couturiers which have made companies such as YSL, Hardy Amies so famous and revered, are lost to commercialisation. So the question is do companies think you just price higher for a brand and do the same as the unknowns to produce it, or do they realise you have standards that become synced with the brand and start the reputation - which comes first the chicken (brand) or the egg (service / style)? Real brands are not 'bandaids' that get stuck on top to cover up something, they are built to last and grow and become celebrated companies worthy of their stamp or 'brand' of approval. Whatchadoin' with yours?