Shops and shops and shops

So after the article in the papers I get all these calls from shops..asking to be included in the tour.

I've checked out so many boutiques again this week. I have to be sure I'm doing the correct thing and only including premier boutiques - best dresses = best quality.

So the criteria is the two most important: 1 fabrics - where they are sourced and 2. production where is it made and on what scale.

We only feature the creme of the crop on the tour. Yes We are selective even known to be ruthless in our discrimination against some boutiques.

Designers (apart from those with quality) get all cagey when we ask where they source their fabrics (you just can't beat French lace). Sadly many great designers are cutting corners to their own demise and using cheap, highly inflamable material then charging the earth for them.

Another question that gets to the designers is: do you manufacture most of of your items in China?

They hate that question. Watch the eyes roll and the nostrils flare. Works everytime! Collette Dinnigan..beautiful cardis with her label then the dreaded words 'made in China'. Shame.

Ok, ok I've heard it all before - Chinese production not that bad...improving. Huh, cheap labour has its price.

So the designers pay pittance for mass production cheap fabrics...then they simply sew on a label and charge stupid high prices?

Is this fair. Over to you should we just accept because we want to wear brands, irrespective that most are mass produced and the fabrics are cheap? Is anyone policing this crazy pricing policy? I'll put that out there maybe someone can enlighten me.