I'll dive right into it. We get asked this question a lot lately, and I believe it merits a proper discourse. If you're an avid Preview reader, you've probably wondered about the same thing—you might have even asked this yourself in our comments section or called us out on social media. What's wrong with Preview? Why do they always need to mention the price or the cost of an outfit?
I've always thought that "how much" is the most natural question to ask whenever I shop or stumble across things that I like online. But of course, I can't assume that everyone's brain is wired the same way. Hoping to get a different perspective, I had a casual yet insightful conversation with a fellow editor and asked him to play devil's advocate. "I think other people just view these exorbitant prices as insensitive in a country that has a failing economy and rampant poverty," he shares, shedding light on a possible reason why some netizens would question the practice of highlighting the cost of an item or the outfit as a whole. He then adds, citing today's prevalent call-out culture, "Because it’s social media and it's easy to cry out a claim, people do it quickly."
He presented very valid points, and the more we chatted about it, the more it got me thinking. Still, another point remains: We're not peddling fake news. It's a pretty known fact that a luxury watch can fetch up to millions. You can easily go to the website of Tiffany & Co. to check how much their stacking bracelets cost, or find out how much one would need to splurge on Bulgari Serpenti jewelry. We don't make up these prices, and anyone with a decent internet connection can look up these info online. But if we're merely pointing out facts, why does it seem to agitate some people?
Oddly enough, most netizens who call out Preview for "putting a price on everything" seem to be leading rather comfortable lives, with their Instagram feeds peppered with a fair share of luxury. And for whatever reason, they take offense in behalf of those who live below the poverty line. It's "tone-deaf" and "insensitive to the poor," they say. This, to me, is even more baffling.
It begs the questions: Are these information exclusive only to those who can afford it? Is everyone else not supposed to know that an Hermès Birkin is a status symbol? Should we not be privy to the fact that the celeb-favorite Loewe anagram tank top costs over P20,000? Were we supposed to be hush about the $1100 Prada loafers that Mary Pacquiao wears to school? Are we better off kept in the dark because these things are equivalent to one household's annual paycheck? We need to be protected from the harsh truth, is that it? So god bless our souls and may we never find out the cost of a Louis Vuitton handbag in this lifetime.
Imagine going to the mall, fitting a dress you liked, and asking the saleslady how much it costs, only for your rich (but perhaps well-meaning) friend to interject and remind you, "Don't bother asking. You can't afford it anyway."
I'd like to believe that our jobs as editors is to educate our readers and foster awareness. And in the sartorial realm, that can mean a plethora of things. On some days, it might mean showcasing a local designer's latest runway collection or breaking down every notable piece in a celebrity's OOTD. Other days, it might mean giving our readers a lowdown on that ubiquitous it bag every style influencer seems to have, or perhaps schooling them with "Everything You Need to Know" about fashion labels, be it a well-established luxury house like Chanel and Dior or an under-the-radar brand like JW Pei. So if you find it so uncomfortable to come across prices in the headline of a fashion article, you probably need to take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself why such a thing offends you so.
As a journalist and a digital native, I honestly don't like the word "clickbait." Clickbait often relies on misleading or sensationalized headlines that fail to deliver substantial content, manipulating readers and leaving them feeling deceived. However, headlines detailing "how much it costs" merely recognize the fast-paced nature of the digital world, where attention spans are shorter than ever. It provides transparent information upfront, catering to the needs of an audience that seeks quick insights.
Here's another fun fact, believe it or not: The inclusion of prices in fashion magazines and editorials has been a long-standing practice since the print era. The goal has always been to provide readers with valuable information about the showcased items. And in today's digital age, online fashion publications simply continue the age-old practice, albeit on a different platform. With the rise of e-commerce and the convenience of online shopping, readers now have direct access to the featured pieces, allowing for a seamless browsing and shopping experience that empowers consumers to make informed decisions with just a few clicks. If anything, it's a testament to the evolving nature of the industry.
More importantly, openly talking about prices rather than purposely evading the conversation democratizes fashion. It breaks down barriers and allows individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds to engage with fashion on their own terms. It's not about fixating on the numbers, glorifying materialism, or dismissing the struggles of the underprivileged. It contributes to fostering a more transparent and accountable industry that encourages brands and designers to justify the value of their creations. It prompts discussions on craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethical production. Ultimately, and this is regardless of their pay grade, educating readers on these costs helps them make conscious choices that align with their personal values and support brands that prioritize integrity and social responsibility.
Knowledge, as the saying goes, is power. Not knowing these things doesn't protect the underprivileged; it degrades them. It forces them to live in an impenetrable bubble of ignorance that our society traps them in and gaslights them into thinking that they're better off never knowing a world that only the elite should have access to.
At the end of the day, fashion is a language spoken by many; one that transcends social boundaries. I see nothing wrong with candidly discussing price tags, because this conversation should be open to all walks of life. After all, access to information is crucial to a thriving and empowered community, and the more informed we are as a society, the greater our capacity to understand and bridge the gaps that separate us.
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