“ARE YOU AM I” IS SCAMMING US AND HERE’S WHY
If you are familiar with the fashion world, then you have heard of the online boutique “Are You Am I” before. However, if not, Are You Am I is an LA-based luxury brand (their words not mine) created by Rumi Neely. You may have seen some of their garments on the likes of Instagram models and influencers. It’s crazy because while I was trying to do my research on this brand, there is barely any information on it. There’s not even a wiki page, which I found odd? Because as a brand, wouldn’t you want more information out about you? But, maybe that’s just me.
The brand launched in 2014, but it didn’t gain traction in popularity until late 2018 (from my observations). According to their website (the only source of information I have), they are a sustainable brand that makes their clothes by hand in Los Angeles. They are mostly known for their silk garments, where they create one pieced fabric dresses and tops that you could honestly make yourself with a sewing machine and will power.
But, I digress because what I really want to focus on is their clothes. Now, trust me I, love the clothes at Are You Am I, and honestly, If I had the money for them, I wouldn’t be complaining as much as I am right now. However, I’ve made an observation about their clothes that I don’t believe should go unnoticed, and I know others have the same concerns as well. From far away, the silk pieces don’t look like anything special, they’re cute and stylish, and the people wearing them look great. But, like a Monet from far away, it’s okay, but up close, it’s a big old mess.
As you can see, the ends are fray and, in their words, “raw-edged.” In their details of their silk pieces, they state that the hem is purposely made like that. To me, it just looks lazy and cheap. Like does it kill you to hem the fabric? What makes this annoying and infuriating is that they sell these garments for $90-$500. Imagine spending that much on something when it doesn’t even look professionally sewn.
I’m not the only one that has noticed this; multiple people on twitter have pointed out the hemming on these designs. But, because it’s written off as a “stylistic” choice, costumers can’t complain.
To conclude, Are You Am I is scamming us by selling us designs that most people can do on their own for hundreds of bucks because they are a sustainable brand and pride themselves on being “luxury”. However, If I was you I would buy a sewing machine and learn how to do this yourself; I’m sure you’ll be saving a lot more money and would definitely look better.
