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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,309
Registered: ‎10-15-2010

Re: GILI Clothing Line

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This line really had potential in the beginning. It was not that expensive and the items were nice. The only items I bought were two of the Roma 2; one for my mom in orange, her favorite color and one in brown for me as a travel tote. The price at the time was great and we both love our Romas. They are big but the sides cinch in and look nice. Not too heavy and my mom is not a spring chicken anymore.

 

However, since 2013 when I bought the bags the line has become ridiculously expensive. There are a few items I really like that I had on my wish list but the prices on these old and new styles has increased so much; some items by over $100. Thus, the style may be there but the value is not. This is still a pretty unknown QVC line in the fashion world and since I have worked in the fashion industry I know firsthand the true manufacturing and wholesale cost of these items. 

 

If a style is really on trend you can bet that other manufacturers will decide to make a similar style sooner or later. I have been able to find some very similar items to the Gili line at a much lower cost by having patience and being vigilant. I refuse to pay $400 for a leather jacket from an unknown brand when I know what the markup is. For that kind of money I can buy a high end brand on clearance or a known mid tier brand with superior quality. 

 

In the end quality trumps style. I know I can get both at a much lower price point if I shop around and hold out. 

~Live with Intention~
Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,563
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: GILI Clothing Line

[ Edited ]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think Jill Martin was hired to get rid of the present inventory and then to let the line die on the vine?  I think all this was in the pipeline when Lisa left.  

 

If Jill was meant to be the true representative and "designer" of this line, she would not have other mini projects as she has now.  She would be a full-time worker bee, behind and in front of the camera, but she oftentimes looks rushed and tired when I see her on with the line, and I think that is because she has too many irons in the fire and this line is not selling like "hotcakes."  JMHO.

 

 

She may have been promised something "big" if this succeeds, but for now, I think she is a very, very high-paid temp.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,900
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: GILI Clothing Line

[ Edited ]
The G.I.L.I. twill and faux leather jacket A264185 is a perfect example of a jacket that is nice on it's face, but that do not fit the models. They cannot zip the jackets up and when they turn around the inverted pleat in the back is pulling open strangely because the jacket is too tight. At least Pat, Sharon, and Jill M. All say that they went up a size due to the fit.

The faux leather sleeveless peplum tops do not fit the models well either, the darts in the front for shaping around the bustline isn't attractive looking.

All of these clothes on clearance look like they didn't sell very well the first time around when they were first new back in March or April.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,230
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

When the line first debuted I saw a blouse, dress, and handbag that were interesting, but I never did take the plunge; mainly due to higher price and fear of fit not being right and having to return items.  I haven't seen anything recently that I would consider. 

Super Contributor
Posts: 468
Registered: ‎03-11-2010
I have many Gili items - handbags, jewelry, clothing. leather jackets, coats, shoes and love them all. Before Gili - there was not a clothing line on the Q that appealed to me. Although the items are not inexpensive - I believe they are intended to offer "the look for less"- and often the designer items they are inspired by are very expensive .
It is not ment for every QVC shopper -just as other lines aren't - and there are many different lines to choose from .
I miss Lisa and can see her hand in all the current designs . I think Jill is doing a great job and it will be interesting to see what will be designed with her influence going forward. I purchased many of the Gili things because I loved Lisa s great taste.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,208
Registered: ‎04-27-2015

Not appealing at all. Way overpriced and lots of the items look cheaply made.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,570
Registered: ‎10-09-2012
I like the G.I.L.I. line very much, in theory. I especially like the fact that they seem to be moving away from those short-waisted jackets, and the styles that are only meant to be worn skin tight (and still only looked good on the 1% of those who thought they looked good wearing them). I like the updated, fresh styles and nod to chic and current looks. However, I am not sold on the sky-high pricing. I wil pay more for better quality, design and modern styling, but not these super-premium prices for a made-up designer brand. So far, I've made all my G.I.L.I. purchases at the featured or clearance price and I've been very happy. If I miss out on an item at regular price, so be it; I'm not falling for a $70 tencel denim shirt.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,121
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Love the bags, love the obi belts but I don't own any Gili clothes.  In general, I don't think the line is over priced at all.  It's not for the Target or Walmart shopper. I'm a size 16/18, 55 year-old woman with bad knees.  The clothes wouldn't complement my full figure and the shoes are too high for me.  I'm okay with that.  I have Isaac and Susan and few other Q designers in my corner.  I know what works for my body.  Just as Isaac is my go to designer for cardigans and Liz Claiborne for maxi dresses, Gili is my go to for hand bags and belts.  I did notice that Q pulled all the Gili jewelry and Jill did say that there would be some affordable bags coming in.  So, the "upscale" philosophy behind Gili is probably dead.   

New Contributor
Posts: 4
Registered: ‎11-01-2010

QVC - MUST provide something for everyone. Everyone does not want to walk around in Denim and Co everyday. Same with shoes - I am so happy to see the Q actually have some sexy shoes. I like the fact that they seem to recognize that they have to offer a varity of styles, better quality, and high quality fabrics if they want to continue to be competative.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,522
Registered: ‎11-20-2013

@namealreadytaken wrote:

Is it just me, or does anyone else think Jill Martin was hired to get rid of the present inventory and then to let the line die on the vine?  I think all this was in the pipeline when Lisa left.  

 

If Jill was meant to be the true representative and "designer" of this line, she would not have other mini projects as she has now.  She would be a full-time worker bee, behind and in front of the camera, but she oftentimes looks rushed and tired when I see her on with the line, and I think that is because she has too many irons in the fire and this line is not selling like "hotcakes."  JMHO.

 

 

She may have been promised something "big" if this succeeds, but for now, I think she is a very, very high-paid temp.


I think that they are getting rid of inventory that was initiated before Lisa left, still. I don't think they achieved the success, or made the profit they had hoped for, and that there are very big problems with quality for the price. It seemed like there were a very high return rate on may of the items, just by following inventory online. I think you may be right, and I have wondered the same thing.