On The Row's $1255 rubber thongs.
If you know you know. But what if you don't?
I can’t stop thinking about Hailey Bieber’s rubber thongs from The Row.
But not for the reason you think.
I don’t want them. At least I don’t think I want them. Maybe in a few months I’ll have experienced such a visual assault from content telling me I need these thongs that I’ll actually feel my own skepticism surrender and give way to desire.
But for now, I can still see the forest from the trees.
I don’t dislike The Row, for what it’s worth. I adore the Olsen sisters, and have been a long-time devotee of their style (I had pictures of their outfits on my walls in college, 18 years ago). I admire what they’ve built with their brand. This is the second newsletter I’ve devoted entirely to dissecting their.. thong designs.
Mark my words, these will be the next It shoe. We’ll see Kendall Jenner and then probably Jennifer Lawrence and Kaia Gerber, and many of the top tier influencers wearing them. They will be the (very lightweight) status symbol of the American summer.
The Row’s Dune Classic Flip Flops cost $1255 and you can talk all you want about quality and craftsmanship but I can blatantly see these are made of grosgrain ribbon and rubber. Not leather, not suede. They are however made in Italy, for some reason to do with #luxury.
The practically invisible branding adds to their allure, but it also means the recall on them is SO subtle that you’d have to be one of the true one per cent to not only afford them, but to recognise them.
Now, the ‘Men’s 5 plug thongs’ from Lowes offer a similar style for the price of $14.95.
They’re not a dupe of The Row. These shoes exist in an entirely different universe. The clientele of these two brands do not cross over.
But they’re effectively the same thing.
Which is a stark reminder that we need to consider the context of a piece we’re buying, and how that weighs into its desirability.
Wear The Row’s thongs to a fashion office in New York, and you’ve got instant credibility. Post them on your Instagram or TikTok feed and you’re part of that elusive one per cent.
But the thing with “if you know you know” items like this - with having a taste level this discerning - is that if you don’t know, then that taste is rendered obsolete.
If I wore these shoes to a family barbecue with my sport-mad mother and sister, bless them, the style would be absolutely lost on them. My thongs may as well be from Lowes.
Not only would my relatives not understand the gravitas, they’d probably be confused why I was wearing such a visibly un-chic shoe.
So the value of the shoes in that context is zero.
But the other side of this argument is the inherent power these ‘IYKYK’ pieces give the wearer. I feel cooler when I wear my designer or investment pieces. I take better care of them and take more pride in putting them on. In some way, they make me move through the world with more confidence.
And a lot of the time, the only person who knows is me.
Does this make The Row’s flip flops worth it?
I can’t say yes. Of course the brand name adds cachet - obviously. But I don’t think rubber and ribbon could ever be worth $1255, no matter what’s attached to the price tag.
But that’s the thing about status. As they say - money talks, wealth whispers.
What do you think about The Row’s exy thongs? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Answering your fashion dm’s.
“Hey Tamara, any recommendations for a great all-round trench-coat for a short size 12 gal? Struggling!” - Erin.
Don’t be afraid of going for an oversized style even though you’re shorter. I’m petite and find roomy pieces to be some of the most comfortable and reliable in my wardrobe, as you know! I personally think a more fitted or cropped trench runs the risk of looking dated. Opt for a neutral shade in tan or taupe and you’ll get seasons of wear.
Here are two options I found that are affordable all-rounders!
Assembly Label Casey Signature Trench, $300.
Thanks for reading Fash Chat. If you liked this newsletter, it’d mean a lot to me if you can forward it on to a friend.
And if you have fashion questions, my inbox and dm’s are always open!
Tam x