Colin E.
2/5
I stumbled upon this botique walking the town. If you haven't been, its tucked into an easily missed spot - which is bizarre considering what this actually is. (I'll tell you later if you don't know - it'll make much more sense once you do!) At first glance, there were decent products: some a little eccentric, but some I would have (hypothetically) purchased. A black leather jacket caught my eye: It hung on a rack. A normal rack. It said "look at me." So I did... to the horror of the staff who quickly informed me the first item I went for happend to be the most expensive item in the store. Just there. Hangin' out. All apparently $100,000 worth of "just put me on any 'ol rack" clothing.
Don't get me wrong - I knew itd be expensive: it was alligator. But if you're curious, similar alligator jackets retail around 20 times less. Half if you're being ludicrous and just looking at overpriced jackets from the biggest names. So I moved on to few dress shirts. While quality seemed in line with Ralph Lauren at best, prices seemed in line with jet fuel. Think nearly $200 long sleeve t-shirt prices.
I kept hearing talk about "he's italian. He's visited Italy a few times. But he lives here now. So he's local. Look, he's in a magazine." (A local one, mind you.) Honestly, the pitch sounded like a local guy using buzzwords to justify price. I mean no harm - but this appeared to be, to an unaware buyer, a guy who visited Italy once, got a local news article, and assumed Hermes was the new Marshall's. It was a frustrating experience: one minute its a normal shop, but then suddenly I'm being cautioned that the item I'm obviously supposed to pick up is essentially most American's first home. Staff panicking while I shop isn't a good experience for anyone.
The most shocking thing I learned hours later is that Matteo is actually a legitimate designer with celebrity clients. I can get the crazy prices, but nothing here communicated credentials beyond local magazines. (I mean... I've been in those lol). I left frustrated at a crazy local. I think, now, I'm more frustrated that a legitimate designer seems to have really missed customer experience, branding (and brand protection), presentation, location, and so many other facets of business that, when missed, create an offputting experience. I'm shocked this ISN'T faux luxury designed to take advantage of the rich tourist. I think Matteo can do a heck of a lot better: I didn't get to appreciate what this was, and that's kinda sad.
I'm sure Matteo offers amazing products that warrant investment, but that's not apparent without name recognition. I wish them the best. If you're new and visiting, hopefully you walk in a little more aware.
