Joseph Duclos Thread

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Fashion people (often non-consumers) are more interested in trends, changes, sensationalism and celebs. The Vogue index has LV #1 and Gucci at #2. That tells us more about who reads Vogue, nothing about sales as I know for a fact Gucci is quiet ATM. . Chanel at #4 (+1) and H at #6 (+1) for Winter 23/24. That's not a reflection of sales but fashion people engaging in 'keeping-up' they can only monitor/mine data from their own site (it's also a protection racket, as it forces those companies to engage/partner with Vogue or slip down the rankings).
Haha excellent point !
I have friends in the ad/ fashion business and it would seem this index is more a reflection of who’s paying them to be at top ranking rather than actual sales or desirability.
Hermes does few ads (except perfume ads) or paid advertorials, but Vogue cant entirely ignore their performance so they place them at no.6
Gucci at no.2 is seriously fishy.
 
Haha excellent point !
I have friends in the ad/ fashion business and it would seem this index is more a reflection of who’s paying them to be at top ranking rather than actual sales or desirability.
Hermes does few ads (except perfume ads) or paid advertorials, but Vogue cant entirely ignore their performance so they place them at no.6
Gucci at no.2 is seriously fishy.

The fact that JD is a new brand, not on any index I'm aware of, never seen an ad, advertorial or editorial (I'm a follower on JD's Insta) and we're on p.76 on this thread is testament to our values, their designs, ethos and quality.

VB Index' 'lifestyle brands' #1-7 are over a century old (Vogue Business is behind a paywall). There have been a few issues with products (as evidenced on this thread) but all in all I do think JD could grow 'organically' if they make sure their quality stays top-notch and don't get too impatient.
 
Hermes does few ads (except perfume ads) or paid advertorials, but Vogue cant entirely ignore their performance so they place them at no.6
lol just yesterday I was going through my backlog of Paris Review issues and was surprised to see Hermes ads on the first 2 pages. Interesting placement! Maybe JD should consider a cerebral strategy. :smartass:
 
The fact that JD is a new brand, not on any index I'm aware of, never seen an ad, advertorial or editorial (I'm a follower on JD's Insta) and we're on p.76 on this thread is testament to our values, their designs, ethos and quality.

VB Index' 'lifestyle brands' #1-7 are over a century old (Vogue Business is behind a paywall). There have been a few issues with products (as evidenced on this thread) but all in all I do think JD could grow 'organically' if they make sure their quality stays top-notch and don't get too impatient.
Oh I agree, and I’m not worried about JD not being on the Vogue list or not (yet) having high resale value.
As long as Ramesh is around, I’m confident that they will not stray from their quality standards, and the designs will be unique and truly craft-driven.
They would do well to continue to cater to clients like those on this thread who appreciate this. Moynat got side tracked with Ramesh’s departure and wandered into the fast fashion lane. I am no longer a client of theirs but I still hold onto my “old Moynat” bags & still use them with pleasure. I dont value them for their resale potential but for their beauty and quality.

Maybe JD should consider a cerebral strategy.
Yes, the simplest strategy to avoid dilution of their values, quality and designs. Not cater to those who are looking for quick turnaround on an investment /purchase. Cater to “thinking” clients who appreciate them for what they are, not become a fashion victim on the road to scaling up. It is inevitable that they will grow & scale up, they cannot remain a start up forever, but I hope they will retain their core values as they do so.
 
Joseph Duclos introduced their first bags in September 2021. In the luxury world, they haven’t been in the handbag game long.

Though they don’t have LV, Kering, or Chanel’s deep pockets, this small company’s major backer is a billionaire. I say, give them a moment.

I can’t name an independent luxury company that has successfully competed with H+ internationally with only a few artisans, one store, and a 2-1/2 yr history in bag making. Little JD has to compete with H’s 20,000+ employees worldwide, the 2000’s social media popularity of the Kardashians (free advertising), the legacy of Princess Grace, and the all H bags are “handmade” fairytale (that floated around for years). H’s growth in the past 20 yrs has caused them to become industrial. A machine!

Moynat learned to use nepotism — LVMH and the Arnault name got them favored advertising and retail space. I remember Moynat’s first four or five years — people said “Moynat, who?” as they bought Birkins, Celine luggage totes, and the Jumbo. M then got favored retail space (especially in Asia) and gained a little traction.

JD is banking on their excellent product and Ramesh’s name recognition. That’s a lot of pressure. I don’t compare JD with other bags according to their resell ability, or the want to buy a top handle Celine at 1/3 the price. I don’t want a Celine. If I wanted to save $$$$, I would go for Kate Spade, Tory Burch, or Michael Kors.

JD stands on its own merit. They put out an excellent product (with a couple noted TPF bag mistakes in manufacturing), they have a wonderful customer service, and JD sells bags styles I like, that are under-the-radar.
 
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At this point it´s almost a cult :biggrin: People thinking JD is somehow competing with Hermes, Delvaux, Valextra and are seriously discussing why it´s not on the Vogue list...

It´s a new brand created by an investment banker, Ramesh is only guest starring. They are heavily investing into IG and FB ads, not catering to "thinking" clients like some owners of JD would like to believe. Their bags are either machine sewn or saddle stitched but not in the best way from what I saw (maybe employing apprentices is not the best strategy). Quite evident the quality is already not great (multiple reports of defects in this thread alone) and it´s unlikely they can scale up without decreasing it further. And can you imagine what happens after Ramesh goes?

But hey, at least people are starting to talk about resale value and realizing you don´t get the value for the money...
 
At this point it´s almost a cult :biggrin: People thinking JD is somehow competing with Hermes, Delvaux, Valextra and are seriously discussing why it´s not on the Vogue list...

It´s a new brand created by an investment banker, Ramesh is only guest starring. They are heavily investing into IG and FB ads, not catering to "thinking" clients like some owners of JD would like to believe. Their bags are either machine sewn or saddle stitched but not in the best way from what I saw (maybe employing apprentices is not the best strategy). Quite evident the quality is already not great (multiple reports of defects in this thread alone) and it´s unlikely they can scale up without decreasing it further. And can you imagine what happens after Ramesh goes?

But hey, at least people are starting to talk about resale value and realizing you don´t get the value for the money...
Let’s start with your insults. JD is ‘almost a cult.’ Last time I checked, I bought my bags on my freewill.

I didn’t spend $60K on stuff I don’t want in the hopes of being offered a $15k product in a color I don’t want.

I didn’t stand outside, queued in the dead of winter’s rain and snow, hoping for a chance to buy something, … anything.

I don’t obsess about a JD bag to the point that it’s unhealthy, deviant, outside the norm.

You have decided to participate in a forum about a particular company. Welcome. Individual opinions are welcomed. I personally draw the line at being called an ‘almost cult’ member who is drawn to their ads for the unthinking public.

I write about my appreciation of JD (and other brand) bags a few minutes a day, a few days a week. There have been weeks where I don’t even log onto TPF. I participate because I like and appreciate the other members. I like reading their stories, likes, and dislikes. This forum is a snapshot of time during my day as I’m sure it’s the same for others.

Let’s talk about the quality issues. Yes, there have been two, maybe three, TPF’ers who have mentioned issues that have been resolved. No company is perfect. If you know of one, I’d be happy to look into their bags.

Resale value — Yes, it’s not there, yet. JD might never have a resale value, but I believe I’m getting my $$$$ worth because I’m enjoying my bag. Resale on jewelry is awful. Are jewelry owners not getting their $$$$ worth? Are you worried about the resale on used, hairline-scratched, personal taste, and possibly trendy jewelry?

Now let’s get to where I agree with you. Ramesh is a CD who could leave at any time. JD might close up their one shop and implode. Oh, well. At least I have lovely bags. And if, over the years, those bags fall apart, I enjoyed them. If I worry about the $$$$$ spent, I couldn’t afford them in the first place. I’ve recently experienced a rare, debilitating cancer and have an ill special needs child. There are bigger things to worry about than a purse lasting 20 years.

May I ask why people liking a brand bothers you so much? Please don’t mention other members — I’m asking for your motivation. Your need to cut it down (besides the 1754 thing). What bothers you so much about JD brand appreciation on its forum? What draws you to this forum? Do you like any JD products?

As I’ve stated above. Welcome. I ask, please don’t degrade members/me. Thank you.:flowers:
 
Let’s start with your insults. JD is ‘almost a cult.’ Last time I checked, I bought my bags on my freewill.

I didn’t spend $60K on stuff I don’t want in the hopes of being offered a $15k product in a color I don’t want.

I didn’t stand outside, queued in the dead of winter’s rain and snow, hoping for a chance to buy something, … anything.

I don’t obsess about a JD bag to the point that it’s unhealthy, deviant, outside the norm.

You have decided to participate in a forum about a particular company. Welcome. Individual opinions are welcomed. I personally draw the line at being called an ‘almost cult’ member who is drawn to their ads for the unthinking public.

I write about my appreciation of JD (and other brand) bags a few minutes a day, a few days a week. There have been weeks where I don’t even log onto TPF. I participate because I like and appreciate the other members. I like reading their stories, likes, and dislikes. This forum is a snapshot of time during my day as I’m sure it’s the same for others.

Let’s talk about the quality issues. Yes, there have been two, maybe three, TPF’ers who have mentioned issues that have been resolved. No company is perfect. If you know of one, I’d be happy to look into their bags.

Resale value — Yes, it’s not there, yet. JD might never have a resale value, but I believe I’m getting my $$$$ worth because I’m enjoying my bag. Resale on jewelry is awful. Are jewelry owners not getting their $$$$ worth? Are you worried about the resale on used, hairline-scratched, personal taste, and possibly trendy jewelry?

Now let’s get to where I agree with you. Ramesh is a CD who could leave at any time. JD might close up their one shop and implode. Oh, well. At least I have lovely bags. And if, over the years, those bags fall apart, I enjoyed them. If I worry about the $$$$$ spent, I couldn’t afford them in the first place. I’ve recently experienced a rare, debilitating cancer and have an ill special needs child. There are bigger things to worry about than a purse lasting 20 years.

May I ask why people liking a brand bothers you so much? Please don’t mention other members — I’m asking for your motivation. Your need to cut it down (besides the 1754 thing). What bothers you so much about JD brand appreciation on its forum? What draws you to this forum? Do you like any JD products?

As I’ve stated above. Welcome. I ask, please don’t degrade members/me. Thank you.:flowers:
Well said. I don’t get why people feel the need to dump on other people’s interests. I’m not an owner of a JD bag (yet) but I’m interested in this brand and admiring their bags from afar. I don’t buy for resale value; I buy for my own pleasure. And I couldn’t agree more about your points about Hermes. Even though I like their things, I don’t like their marketing strategy and choose not to partake.
 
If I wanted to save $$$$, I would go for Kate Spade, Tory Burch, or Michael Kors.
Perish the thought Mousy! If I wanted to light cash on fire and telegraph that I can't tell the difference between decent mass market bags and wholesale hackery I would _possibly_ buy a Michael Kors (but only it's on sale, at an outlet). :graucho:
 
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@Mousy - well stated, and I am sorry for your personal struggles of late and your dear child's struggles. I wish you healing and recovery and thank you for your insightful posts when you have the time to post/read!

Thank you for writing what all of us were thinking!
Thank you! You are very kind! :hugs:So far, I’m beating the odds — 20% survival rate this far out. My daughter is my motivation.
I enjoy this forum. Even if we have different opinions, we’re respectful. I quit other forums years ago because of the petty bickering.
If I disagree with posts, please understand it’s my opinion (for that moment). :lol: Like I’ve stated before, I thought the Diane was expensive and too much bling for my taste/age, and now I can’t wait to get one. It’s a stunning bag! By the way, your Aspen photos are excellent! :coolio::loveeyes:
Hugs to you all! And Cin-Cin to JD — one of our favorite brands.:drinks:
 
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