Clothing, fashion and photography may not be a big part of my life, but they are the topic of this entry. I shot the picture above as part of a collaboration with R.R. and his blog (Indigo Navy, link below). R.R. and I have been friends for over eight years, and he asked for my input and assistance. His blog centers around those three subject matters, and he wanted to do a collaboration piece, part of his "Favorite Things" series. The idea is to capture an image of an item of clothing, or other style accessory, in one's possession that captures the essence of your identity. It doesn't have to be your favorite article of clothing, but it should be something that speaks to your personality. Then, of course, an explanation must be rendered. There were a few concerns. Basically, I don't have much of a clothing arsenal, I don't consider myself an expert on fashion, I consider my photography as sub par, I don't have much of a camera, the weather is atrocious, I prefer not to share images of myself, and I don't have a mannequin torso. As I count them, that's at least seven conflicts. So, the process seemed like it might stretch my comfort and abilities a touch, but I liked direction and the opportunity to work with a friend. So, I was on board. I attempted to capture not only the jacket itself but the essence of the jacket (outdoors), and I returned the material within a day's time. The image above is the result, and the material below is what I shared.
Founded in San Francisco in 1997 by Patrick Ma, Triple Aught Design (TAD Gear, link below) has planted its feet as a staple of gear in the niche market of upper-end outdoor equipment. They set out on a simple mission, a mission which they will openly and proudly discuss. They wanted to make the best gear possible and encourage them to explore the world. In my opinion, they not only succeeded, but they manage to surpass and reinvent themselves every year. I may sound like somewhat of a fan boy, but they've earned my business and support in an honest manner.
As most others, I found them, and their original retail store (image above), through the channels of word-of-mouth, and there is a little joy in being part of a select, underground group that shares a common passion for a somewhat hidden commodity. I'm not going to lie and deny the presence of any semblance of elitist mentality, but I do believe that taints the action. There is no sense of exclusivity with regards to those unaware of the product. Those who wear this gear feel the compliments and are quick to invite others in, and that applies to the staff as well. Their personality and fantastic customer service, especially in their retail location, is beyond approachable. They don't consider people customers. They consider them fellow enthusiasts. After a few visits, I was quickly able to count the manager, and poster child, of their retail store as an actual friend, and I don't mean that in a strictly business sense.
Thanks to a new marketing team, their gear has been picked up by a few style blogs, and that part about having to explain and introduce their gear to the uninformed has become less necessary. The did open a second retail location (image above).They didn't, however, sellout and cut costs to keep up with a growing customer base. They stepped up their production, but the quality is still the same, and if it sells out, it's gone, end of story. They don't bring gear back because that would go against the mentality of improving it at the next cycle. They move on. Of course, they make a few packs and accessories, but their pride and joy is their clothing line, or more precisely, their jackets.
I might own a lot of TAD Gear jackets, but there's something about the Explorer jacket (link below) I picked up at the end of the summer that has me wearing it more than the rest. It definitely isn't the priciest or the highest performance of the bunch, but it's different. Unlike the others, this one sports a semi-rigid collar (as opposed to a hood) and forgoes any patch panels. Add to that that it's made of a somewhat more textured Rhino-Hide material, and I find it a lot more suitable for school and for just general about-town adventures. That seems to be about the most exploring I have asked of it, but, true to its namesake, I don't think it would let me down in the least should I decide to do some light outdoor adventuring. I know I made the decision to buy it more of stylistic reasons than of performance necessities, but trusting it wouldn't let me down if I should choose to test it is reassuring to say the least.
Links:
Indigo Navy: Blog
Triple Aught Design: Website Explorer Jacket
i've been to that store 3 times, but never stepped foot in it. Once i waited so long i shat myself, prior to doing this I asked the guy in the shop if i could use the crapper as i was waiting to make $1000 purchase.
ReplyDeleteHe said no, & I soiled myself.
TAD Gear has TOTALLY sold out over the past year. I've worn Tad for several years, and I'll admit I was one of their rabidly loyal followers...all that changed when they hired their marketing group, Loomis. TADs appeal to most of its customer base was it's edge. It was clothing that clearly wasn't for everyone. And that edge has been dulled by a boring and lackluster marketing campaign designed to appeal to the masses. How can you argue they haven't sold out when they sit alongside $3000 sunglasses on $400 jeans on several ridiculously awful fashion blogs? Fashionistas attention spans are fleeting-whats hip and must have today will not be tomorrow. This is a direct contrast to TAD, as they tend to keep the same product year after year, with simple revisions to improve quality. TAD( or Loomis) has gone out of their way to court and please their new customer base while completely ignoring the loyal fans that have kept them going for over a decade. These are the same loyal fans that forgave the site being hacked last year and customers personal and credit card information being released all over the globe. Would some guy that bought one of their packs because he saw it on a fashion site be as forgiving? Assuming loyalty isn't fleeting has been the downfall of many a company...hopefully TAD wont be one of them.
ReplyDeleteThey have also gotten creepy when it comes to Facebook. If someone complains about the company or even phrases a question they don't like, the post is deleted. This doesn't go unnoticed. TADs facebook site has made friends of people that would have never met otherwise, and people just aren't posting like they used to. They still talk to each other off site, and the general concensus is one of dissatisfaction. It seems the bulk of posters now are either people wanting to know when gear is in stock, or people affiliated with other blogs or TAD itself. The edge and comraderie are gone. I also can't understand why they when from Triple Aught being a type of shotgun round to Triple Aught is the finish we put on our knives( that they don't make or finish). Were they afraid that they would offend people?
TAD still makes good quality products. Hopefully they will can the marketing firm and bring back the old TAD.
Though my initial intent was not to spark any debate, let me attempt to respond to both of the comments posted. Due to maximum alloted length of these posts (4,096 characters), I will have to break it up into three posts. In the first I will discuss the first comment, and, in the second and third, I will address the second.
ReplyDelete1.) Anonymous with lavatory issues:
At first glance, your words come across as a somewhat crude and childish attempt at comedy (I don't believe you honestly soiled yourself), but I will look past that.
As I see it, there are a couple issues regarding the restroom situation at Triple Aught Design's original, "Dogpatch", location. Accessing the restroom facilities requires a staff member to allow the customer to walk through the warehouse area, filled with somewhat small and costly goods. Furthermore, the storefront is somewhat open, with no true doors. Since the store is commonly staffed by a single retail employee, should that employee choose to allow someone to use the bathroom, they must make a choice of whether to leave the front of the store vacant or leave the back-of-house vulnerable. As I believe TAD strives to cater to customers, leaving the front empty would be almost completely out of the question. So, the only choice is to leave someone in need of the restroom with free access to their stock. Though it is a business, I can equate it to letting a stranger use the bathroom in your room next to your valuables while you sit in the front yard and wait.
I don't intend to represent you as anything but respectable in appearance and demeanor, but I wouldn't expect such trust and courtesy be extended to someone who has yet to enter the store. That also leads me to wonder how someone could be willing to make a "$1000 purchase" but hasn't entered the store, but the relevance of such a query is minimal in this instance. So, I'll get back to it. It may sound cruel, but there are some malicious people in this world, and, at that point, there isn't much personal attachment. So, they probably made the judgment call not to risk stock over allowing a stranger to relieve himself or herself when there are establishments with less vulnerable setups within a few steps.
To sum it up, though my statements may favor Triple Aught Design in this case, I am merely examining this situation from as objective of a standpoint as I can, and I mean you no disrespect. I just wanted to respond and clarify.
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ReplyDelete2.) Anonymous with a true opinion:
Reading your words reveals itself as a much more enjoyable experience, and I can't help but harbor a sense of respect. Though the terms "debate" and "argue" would seem a touch strong, regardless of agreement or disagreement, I think discussing an issue with someone who expresses a formally assembled opinion is enthralling. So, let me share my thoughts with regards to your statements.
With regards to the change in marketing strategy, I believe that there is validity to their actions. Those of us, like yourself and myself, who are drawn to the durability and quality of design of their products will be convinced through the same channels as before. We are drawn to them through credible word-of-mouth as well as our own experience, and that shouldn't change. However, every company with any intent at profit can't help but attempt to expand their presence, and thus their market. I don't find that to be dishonorable in the least (I hope that double/triple negative came across clearly). So, their new marketing campaigns being aimed at appealing to the masses is not something that concerns me. It doesn't change the product itself, and that's what drew me in.
As far as finding it in fashion blogs alongside higher priced products, I don't think there is much harm in that. I have always believed that, thought often reflected in its price, the true quality of a good is not drawn therefrom. The fact that it can share those ranks with goods of such a higher price point, to me, speaks to the quality of their goods. Though it could be construed as such, I don't think this speaks to TAD attempting to fit their styles. I believe it actually speaks to the possibility of those attached to fashion, from time to time, finding beauty in the quality of a proven style. TAD is just that, a proven design. I don't think any of this has truly changed the quality and direction of their goods in any considerable or negative manner.
As far as TAD ignoring their loyal fans, I don't believe that's true. I don't they would be treated differently, either in person or electronically. We didn't get shorted on quality, and I have yet to feel any negativity in interaction. Though it troubles me to hear of you experiencing such things, neither I nor those close to me have felt it (not rubbing it in, merely analyzing).
As far as the credit card scandal, that was a tragic incident. However, I attempt to judge people, at most, by their reactions than by their lack of action. Neither is a good circumstance, but I feel the first is a better measure. Luckily for me, all of my purchases have been in person, but I will still analyze it. Some things are extremely difficult to avoid, and having a website of any sort leaves one vulnerable to such things. Working for such a company, I can speak first-hand about the effects of such a catastrophe. Sadly, there are people in this world who thrive on infiltrating such systems for personal gain. It's a terrible thing to deal with, and you can't help but take it personally. It puts you in bad graces with your customers and leaves you having to prove yourself to your customers anew. TAD went out of their way to try to limit the storm while still trying to take orders from people who couldn't wait for their goods. It may have felt like things were mishandled, but I think they cleared it up suitably, and I understand their state of confusion. It's a struggle to be offensive in supporting your customers and their orders but defensive of their information with regards to predators. In the end, I feel it was sorted out, and I believe TAD took the blame for as much of it as they could bear. So, I don't hold it against them.
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ReplyDeleteWith regards to censoring comments, I can't speak too profoundly. I have not experienced such actions or witnessed them, but I've been starting to hear such rumors. Censorship is one thing for which I don't care much, but I can understand it. A company's Facebook page is like a billboard and, much like every statement on a personal one, it inevitably reflects on the views of the owner. Much as individuals, it’s tough to resist wanting to remove signs of hate someone might post on your real or virtual house. Though it might be nice to have a page dedicated to complaints, or even both praise and complaints, I don't think Facebook is the place for it, and I also don't think TAD, in any way, avoids customers with issues. Their customer support is fantastic, especially when you approach them directly, but I have never had to do that.
As far as the camaraderie, I think it's still there, just in a different form.
In the end, I think they still make a fantastic product, and, though them mentioning this post on their profile page might seem to sway me (it doesn't), I don't think the people or the company have changed in a negative manner. As such and as I believe the products will continue in a positive direction, they will keep my business.
Thank you for commenting, and, if you should choose to continue this discussion, feel free to contact me directly. If anyone else would like to comment, I implore you to do so.
I realize that, even after editing some things out, this took three comments to sort out, and I thank anyone who not only clicked on the comments, but read through them all.
Dear Anonymous #2,
ReplyDeleteWhile Sizzle wrote a truly fantastic response to your somewhat ignorant comment, I think I would like to go a little further and into more detail, but I’ll keep it short. Anonymous, I would just like to point out that you are not alone in feeling a bit upset over the apparent selling-out of TAD Gear (I’m not an expert on the subject so I’m not going to judge whether or not this has occurred). I am sure there is a select group of people who tend to agree with you. But, unfortunately Anonymous, it happens with almost everything. People frequently experience this with their favorite ‘back-pocket’ band that they saw perform at every grimy, dirty, and awkward smelling bar and club in town. When the band gets a record contract people can’t help but feel let down; the band isn’t small anymore, and their biggest fan suddenly has competition. The best way around this is to try to feel happy for the people who are finally living their dream of seeing a project they started get recognition on a larger scale and start reaping the rewards of their hard work.
May I also remind you that TAD Gear is first and foremost a business, and at the end of the day they have to gross. Without the money they make they can’t offer new and better products for people to enjoy. So if they hire a marketing team to help spread the word about their goods, or can’t let someone into their store to use the bathroom at the risk of potential loss of merch, please don’t blame them. They’re just trying to get by, and bring you the next batch of excellent goods and services.
As far as fashion blogs go, I do not want to be a representative of all the fashion blogs, but I will try to make a stand, because after all, we’re not all talking about “$3000 sunglasses on $400 jeans.” Although there probably is a fair share of fashion blogs out there that feature ludicrous items, the blog that featured TAD Gear, and the one I linked to from my blog, is Selectism. They are a righteous bunch of contributors in collaboration from all over the world that bring you the latest word on the what’s new and exciting in men’s fashion. The latest in men’s fashion just happens to be an amazing trend that focuses on heritage goods, and above all, a return to honest-to-goodness quality. So what may seem like fashionistas that are trend-hoping, is actually a return to values like quality, simplicity, and timeless style that have almost been forgotten in this fast-paced, instant-gratification driven world of modernity in which we all reside. You will most likely find that quite a few of the items featured on these blogs are not only very inspired by decades old styles, but may even be straight reissues. Not a fickle fad at all.
While TAD Gear may sit next to (corrected based on facts) $500 sunglasses and $300 jeans on these blogs, it is important to remember why. Everything is made in factories, of top notch materials, that maintain a living wage for their workers and do not exploit them for a huge profit margin. In addition, a large majority of the products are made in the U.S.A., so no complaints about outsourcing ‘Merican jobs. These are trends that are here, and hopefully will stay for a very long time. TAD Gear is mainly a purpose driven clothing and accessories manufacturer, but in addition to quality in their items, they strive to offer you a great looking product. There’s nothing wrong with a few people who find their look appealing spreading the word about a great brand.
So Anonymous, please don’t be upset with TAD Gear’s apparently new found (although they’ve been around for a while) success, but be happy that the company you have loved and followed for so long has grown with more and more people getting to enjoy their great functioning and great looking products.
- R.R.
You guys completely missed the point of what Anonymous #2 was trying to say. All you see is what you want to see in that comment. It wasn't ignorance or childish it was a true to heart comment about the scandalous and bullshit that TAD&Loomis is pulling. Seriously WTFO. Don't take a bullet for TAD and stand up for it if you don't know what you're talking about since you both said you haven't seen what's been going on on the TAD Facebook page. Now before you or anyone else with thoughts similar to you reply let me please call the Whaambulance so they'll be on standby if or when you'll reply.
ReplyDeleteBTW, if you think this was mean, crude, rude, or whatever I could have said something like, "You know that shit smell in Iraq and Afghanistan? Its the brains of people like you." But you see I didn't. Now excuse me while I go eat a hearty meal of baby hearts.
3.) Anonymous offering a continuance:
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your comment, I took the time to look over the comments to which you referred. I attempted to, once again, clearly interpret that left by Anonymous #2, and I made sure to reread those which I left in reply.
As it took two comments to completely reply, there is no shortage of words, never did I represent or construe his comments as childish or ignorant. That is not, nor has it ever been, my intent. I respect his comments, and I respect his rights to share them, but I wanted to share my perspective. He took the time to read my blog and to post his opinion, and I feel somewhat obliged to hear his. I think that leads to my next point.
Though you claim I chose only to see what I wished to see in his words, I don't believe that's truthful. I didn't attack him in any way, but I did take the time to dissect his comment and reply to each article. Looking over them now, I still feel I accomplished that, but if there is something left to discuss, please do contact me directly (contact information in my profile).
I understand your grief with regards to the partnership of TAD and Loomis. Though my words may appear defensive, they are heartfelt and not a reflection of any felt need to "take a bullet for TAD" (I share my opinion, and my posts have yet to be pressured in any direction by any company or entity). Though I haven't felt the harsh side of such actions, I have heard rumors thereof, and, as such, I did attempt to see both sides and attach logic and reason to them, should they actually present themselves. In my eyes, it's still not black and white. Like most things, such a possibility would be a grey area.
With regards to the footer of your message, I hope you, or at least others, will notice that I have not consciously extended any harsh words or profanity. Though it may come from frustration and feel as though they were furthering a point, such infantile words would reflect poorly on me, or anyone using them. It may sound pious, but profanity and bitterness need not present themselves even in disagreement. I understand your angst, but please understand that I hold nothing against Anonymous #2, you, or anyone who might share your viewpoint. Though more pleasant when in agreement, when someone's opinion differs from thy own, it is merely an opportunity for discussion which need not be taken personally.
I would have loved to speak with you personally, or anyone, if there was something that needed be brought to my attention, but you have left your words in anonymity. I stand behind mine and attach a brand. Though I would promote others doing so, I understand self protection. So, once again, in my profile, is my email.
I have to agree with everything Anonymous #2 has brought up. I still like TAD gear but I've been censored on their Facebook page and witnessed other fans being censored as well (their comments 'disappearing'). It's motivated me to spend my $ elsewhere at this time. I haven't completely written them off yet, I'm waiting to see how the dust settles from TAD's transition/growing pains. We'll see what happens in 2011.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note- TAD seems to be without focus...the photographs on their website and in their email newsletters look very strange to me without featuring the weapons that used to be shown. They have these serious beefy sausage-fest dudes running around with MILL/LEO gear on but with no weapons. It all looks completely out of context.
I guess they had to trade in their guns for the $500 sunglasses.
Anonymous #3
4.) Anonymous speaking with his dollars:
ReplyDeleteI think that actually makes you Anonymous #4.
Though I don't plan to follow, I do respect your course of action. Speaking with the power of one's purchases, or lack thereof, is a very powerful tool. It may slip by unnoticed at first, but, eventually, the relocation, or shifted allocation, of funds impacts a company. It then forces them to rethink their methods and possibly change directions to a more appropriate one. Basically, it can be both a civil and a potent means to a positive end. Hopefully, they will earn back your business.
As far as the shift in focus, being somewhat of a firearms enthusiast (isn't that a nice way to put it), I definitely noticed. Something felt off, and I quickly figured it out. Though no longer that common, you still notice a hint of it here and there (http://tinyurl.com/taddraw). I would love to see more promotions like those of the past, with rifles and all, but, I also understand their motives, gaining the respect of those with less regard for guns and gun culture. I don't want to start a debate with this statement, but I feel it is important to realize that a large portion of society, particularly in California, does not care for guns, and I don't see why TAD should forgo their business. It's sad that companies have to hide their roots, but I try to accept it and not hold it against them. So, I look past it and realize it doesn't affect the product.
Thanks for the comment!