topic Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis...... in Linea by Louis Dell'Olio

If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

dodies — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 20:50:52 GMT

Just a thought. I love Louis’s clothes more than any other Q designer, but I so wish most items, especially tops, weren’t polyester or poly blend. Issac can bring Pima cotton shirts and cashmere items so am wondering what precludes the PTBfrom letting Louis return to at a least a little of the old days and allow us to have some “real” fabrics again. There could be some linen/ cotton blends that even Susan Graver does sometimes. Denim and Co even seem to have more cotton items. Case in point are Louis’s lovely tunics he just did in Cypress/Linen, navy/ white, and copper/ Black. I got all 3 and they are beautiful, but, Lordy, they don’t “breathe”! I u derstand that the days of all silk and suedes are over, but except for Linea Leisure, everything is poly

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

blackhole99 — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 21:04:21 GMT

Of course I have no way of knowing , but I would think because that was the IM selling point from the beginning. Also, IM has quite a following and Louis has a loyal following, but it's small. You have to know by now the Q is all about the bottom line.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

GingerPeach — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 21:23:48 GMT

@dodies wrote:
Just a thought. I love Louis’s clothes more than any other Q designer, but I so wish most items, especially tops, weren’t polyester or poly blend. Issac can bring Pima cotton shirts and cashmere items so am wondering what precludes the PTBfrom letting Louis return to at a least a little of the old days and allow us to have some “real” fabrics again. There could be some linen/ cotton blends that even Susan Graver does sometimes. Denim and Co even seem to have more cotton items. Case in point are Louis’s lovely tunics he just did in Cypress/Linen, navy/ white, and copper/ Black. I got all 3 and they are beautiful, but, Lordy, they don’t “breathe”! I u derstand that the days of all silk and suedes are over, but except for Linea Leisure, everything is poly

100% on board with this, @dodies

People are giving all sorts of reasons why not. None of them really make sense.

And, of course, there are always those who think Louis can do no wrong. To me, that's like saying he has agreed to limit his creativity.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

JustJazzmom — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 22:35:35 GMT

IM is a ‘house brand’ at the Q as is Susan Graver’s clothing. A lot of the ability to use various fabrics might be part of the nuts & bolts of their individual contracts with the Q. We don’t know the nuts & bolts of their contracts but I do know Louis’ contract is independent of the Q. His brand is not a house brand. He might be very happy with the nuts & bolts of his contract. We don’t know if he is restricted from bringing in other fabrics.

Perhaps a writing campaign to ask that Louis introduce other fabrics? I don’t know the answer.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

Nicknack — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 00:49:31 GMT

I’m very happy with what Louis brings, and I think there’s something for everyone.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

Barbara in Virginia — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 07:52:28 GMT

It was about the time that IM came on board that QVC tried to give Louis his walking papers. Louis' sales were great, and he had much more air time, as well as TSVs. We had to fight like crazy to get Louis reinstated, and when he was in a very limited way, he was on in the middle of the night and with very limited inventory. That was also when his budget was slashed so severely that he no longer had it in his budget to bring the fabrics he had been known for: silks, woolens, cashmere, leathers, suedes, and the like. So he adapted, as have we. I have gotten used to the easy care properties of the fabrics that are now in his budget, and think he does a superb job of s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g his budget to get the most bang for the buck and without compromising his inimitable style.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

Marlyn1 — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:08:36 GMT

Sorry, but I don't see what is so great about Issac's fabrics. Louis just introduced a cotton/rayon/span pant fabric in a classic 5 pocket jean cut that I personally think is a much better quality than the Isaac 24/7. They are both cotton/rayon/span but the Linea pant is a better fabric to me. The Linea cotton tees are very silky and feel great on. I've had zero problems laundering them. I like linen, but I don't need Linea for linen. There are plenty of catelogues that specialize in all different types of linen. I would like some other fabrics for him to print on, but I've been more than happy with what I have purchased. The new shadow floral is amazing, and a beautiful fabric.I have no hang ups about wearing polyester if it's a good quality.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

Somertime — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:43:15 GMT

Well stated, Barbara! Louis was severely curtailed after we fought to keep him! He has, often, stated that some of his designs cannot be brought back because of the budget he has been given, so it limits his choices. I find that the details on his designs are like no others on QVC. He is the only designer on QVC that has his jewelry manufacturer repair his jewelry at no cost except for postage. That alone is amazing! Something has changed with QVC's attitude toward Louis, he is getting more shows than ever before and in a decent time slot, too. They have, certainly, stepped up his appearances. The target audience for IM is entirely different than Louis'. Louis has, always, been a dedicated sportswear designer since Ann Klein and is known for it. A true classic designer. Even though Linea Ladies would pay more for the fabrics like cashmere, 100% cotton, etc. QVC has chosen not to allow his price point to go above what they deem it to be. Louis has no choice but to work within the parameters given to him by QVC. Im does not seem to have the same restrictions.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

GingerPeach — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 14:21:33 GMT

So why couldn't he have printed the shadow floral on a blend instead of pure poly?

I don't buy this budget reasoning. Nobody is asking for silk or suede or wool.

How much of a price difference is there between polyester fabric and a rayon/cotton blend? Not much (depending on quality).

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

Marlyn1 — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 14:32:10 GMT

That's not necessarily true. It also depends on the quantities ordered. Rayon and cotton blends don't drape like faux silk polyesters. I think the shadow floral is a beautiful light fabic.. Also the duty on fabrics plays into it too. There is a lot that goes on that I'm sure we are not aware of.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

author — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 14:46:21 GMT

All things considered, and many that we don't know about, I'm very happy with the Linea offerings, the fabrics and styles. The fabrics this year have been fabulous: the crepes and gauzes, the new jeans pants, the trench, the shadow print top, and whisper knits of course, top of my list.

If these continue and Louis discovers more that work into the cost/quality considerations I will be very pleased.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

Seka — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 15:08:43 GMT

@author wrote:
All things considered, and many that we don't know about, I'm very happy with the Linea offerings, the fabrics and styles. The fabrics this year have been fabulous: the crepes and gauzes, the new jeans pants, the trench, the shadow print top, and whisper knits of course, top of my list.

If these continue and Louis discovers more that work into the cost/quality considerations I will be very pleased.

@author - I too love Louis’s designs and fabrics! Prefer his Whisper Knits over wool and cashmere. His polyesters feel and flow like silk. Adore the Moss Crepe and Gauze Crepe.

Am in Whisper Knit heaven with the Mock Neck Tunic and Open Front Cardigan - and the Midi Skirt re-order is coming soon!

And also coming soon - the Faux Suede Pants - the Suit - the Leather/Knit Topper (October Big Deal) - the sequinned Pant (saw the Sneak Peek - Fabulous) - Tuxedo Jacket - Holiday Jewellery......oh my!

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

culebra — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 15:47:46 GMT

Isaac is not owned by Isaac. His brand his owned by Xcel Brands. They also now own Judith Ripka, Halston as well as Isaac and maybe others. I am sure Xcel has a lucrative contract with QVC. Louis owns his clothing line. I would agree lately Louis has more air time etc.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

GingerPeach — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 16:33:30 GMT

Someday polyester will be outlawed due to its plastic components adding to the pollution already out of control in our oceans.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

ALRATIBA — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 16:39:34 GMT

@GingerPeach wrote:
Someday polyester will be outlawed due to its plastic components adding to the pollution already out of control in our oceans.

@GingerPeach

I doubt that will happen. Microorganisms have been discovered that "eat" plastc. Info eaily found via Google.

Recall - microorganisms have also evolved that "eat" oil spills.

Plastics come from petroleum by-products.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

GingerPeach — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 19:56:40 GMT

@ALRATIBA wrote:
@GingerPeach wrote:
Someday polyester will be outlawed due to its plastic components adding to the pollution already out of control in our oceans.

@GingerPeach

I doubt that will happen. Microorganisms have been discovered that "eat" plastc. Info eaily found via Google.

Recall - microorganisms have also evolved that "eat" oil spills.

Plastics come from petroleum by-products.

Hi @ALRATIBA

I'm familiar with those organisms. Have been for a long time.

I believe in prevention rather than cure.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

WinterGirl — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 16:18:20 GMT

As someone who is late to Louis and his Linea line, I just want to thank all of you Linea Ladies who fought to keep Louis on the Q and on air. I started buying about 2 years ago and am in love with the whisper knit line. It is my go to 3 season wardrobe for work and I always feel like a million dollars when I wear this clothing. Even my teen son tells me I look "elegant" when I have my whisper knit on. I am a 1x and it's not easy to find clothing in my size, reasonably priced that is so well made and, well.... elegant!

I do buy some Isaac and Susan Graver too. Generally, IM clothing does not fit my body as well. I am grateful that Louis offers what he does but I would be thrilled to see some TSV's and more easy pay and, of course, more shows!!

Thanks to those who kept him on QVC.

WinterGirl~

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

Favorite Son — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 08:54:31 GMT

Louis' line just hasn't been doing it for me lately. For a while, everything was hit with the asymmetry stick, and the styles he has been showing are too mature for my taste. I was interested in the shadow print so-called peasant tunic, but I won't buy it because it is polyester - not breathable, and murderously hard on the environment. I also don't think that the fabric looks particularly good on the body because it is so thin and every time I watch a presenation of it it just reminds me of negligee fabric. It's a beautiful top, great color palettes, elegant print, but the fabric kills it for me.

So as long as polyester continues to rule the line, my wallet stays in my pocket.

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

Justice4all — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:23:18 GMT

@Favorite Son I have bought some of Linea polyester just because the designs and fit are so good...but I have drawn the line....no more polyester from anybody!!!! Honestly, I have yet to see if I can wear them....maybe in colder weather, or just look at them!

Re: If Issac can, why can’t Louis......

Favorite Son — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:39:56 GMT

The only way I could possibly wear polyester (assuming that I like the look of the fabric, which I don't), would be to layer over a tissue weight cotton v-neck t-shirt, the kind I wear to yoga. But I just refuse to buy anything polyester, or anything with acrylic in it, or pants that have rayon in them. I'll buy the occasional rayon blended sweater, but lately I haven't been happy with those purchases, either.

Honestly, I'm still wearing my ten year old Talbots rayon/nylon crepe knit cardigans and v-neck shells and still loving them. They are so old that they have the script "Talbots" with the red "T" in the yellow circle with black edging. That's ollllllllllld, but they still look good and have the more tailored fit that I like.