Haute Macabre Needs Your Help!
Remember how when we launched our new site, we said that ad generated revenue would be going towards making improvements to the site and maybe even one day helping us get some merch going?
Well, we were filthy liars. We have taken all of that money and lined our homes with black gold, reveling in festivities that would put Caligula to shame.
Ok… Now I really am lying. We really are going to put that money towards merch, and wanted your feedback on what to produce first!
Here are our options, and the questions we have about them for you:
† Buttons!
Buttons are cute, fun, and fairly inexpensive to produce, which means we could get them soon. But, does anyone actually wear them anymore?I feel like I’ve got a whole bunch of them hiding around my house, but I can’t recall the last time I put one on something.
† Stickers!
Everyone likes stickers. What kinds? Bumper stickers? Shapes? Would you all be comfortable vandalizing your neighborhoods as Haute Macabre’s Skeleton Crew?
† T-Shirts!
Here is our greatest conundrum. Sure, we want to get our name out there, and sure, I’d wear a HM t-shirt on those days where I don’t feel like getting dressed, but would that be the antithesis of our mission statement? Such a moral dilemma we are faced with on this one. Would you guys hate us and call us sell outs if we had these available?
We are really hoping to get everyone’s honest feedback on this, because really, it’s for you guys. We want to have things available that you would be proud to display, so let us know what you think! We’re also looking for manufacturers for all of the above items, and if you guys have any achievable ideas for anything else, let us know!
xxx
Haute Macabre
April 18th, 2009 at 9:10 AM
I wouldn’t buy a t-shirt. I might buy a button. I actually would rather have an iron on patch. I don’t know how possible that would be, but it would be versatile. Patch up pants (I don’t wear them, but I know loads of other people do) put it on a shirt or jacket, on a bag. I even had a headband once where I had hot-glued a patch on it and then beaded and feathered it.
I am pulling for a patch of some sorts to be honest.
April 18th, 2009 at 9:41 AM
I’d be down with stickers and/or buttons. I’d even be down with a tshirt, provided it’s a nice design, preferably white/grey text on black material.
-d
April 18th, 2009 at 9:54 AM
Honestly, I don’t really see stickers as being ideal. I know I wouldn’t buy them.
Buttons, maybe, but really I do think that t-shirts are the best option. As long as they’re nicely fitting in a good fabric (unlike most merch is), and the design is nice and intricate, I’d definitely get one. I think people would wear them, even if only as PJs.
April 18th, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I think T shirts are a brilliant idea! There’s so much you could do design-wise to make some amazing shirts.
Buttons and stickers are fun, but if I stick a button on my bag it generally falls off within 3 days of adventuring and I’m not one for vandalism. :p
But my boobs get a ton of attention so I think that’s the best place to advertise!
April 18th, 2009 at 10:28 AM
my vote’s for stickers! the HM logo would look lovely in adhesive form!
April 18th, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Oh noes! Sellout sinking ship! ZOMG!!!1!
I’m big into stickers. My MacBook needs just one more and I will gladly attach them to unsuspecting victims’ cars, public phones and traffic lights. Bumper stickers aren’t my thing though.
As for the tees, I have no problem with them either. But hesitation is usually a sign that ‘maybe this is not what we really want to do’ IMO. I’d leave those for later. Like the 1st anniversary for example, and keep it un-massive
April 18th, 2009 at 10:31 AM
My vote, whenever asked about merch, will always be for bandanas. The duct tape of clothing.
April 18th, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I, personally, would like stickers that I can stick on books or anything handy which needs decoration. To be honest, I don’t think I’d wear a t-shirt unless it had a terrific design on it. Perhaps a design across the chest with Haute Macabre along the bottom, following the seam, at the front so it’s there but not the whole design?
April 18th, 2009 at 10:57 AM
I’m sure if your t-shirts were cool enough, people would wear them outside of their crypts… I would and do make use of badges and stickers too…
April 18th, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Buttons – definitely, I collect to put on my dj bag, stickers, well I can never think of anywhere for them to go, and so long as the t-shirt design was really nice, I would definitely buy one, and you guys have taste, so it WILL be nice!
April 18th, 2009 at 12:21 PM
I’d definitely wear a Haute Macabre t-shirt.
April 18th, 2009 at 12:34 PM
You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for all of your input so far!
April 18th, 2009 at 12:34 PM
i agree with ferretbite.
April 18th, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Buttons! Totally buttons. They’re cheaper than tshirts and are re-usable/last longer than stickers.
April 18th, 2009 at 1:20 PM
I’d vote for stickers & t-shirts (I am an advertising whore for my favorite websites). I also liked the bandana idea– I can’t find a goth headscarf that’s not aimed at truculent teenagers.
April 18th, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Hey, I only dress up a couple of times a week, and I would totally sport a Haute Macabre T-shirt on those other days, with a big black frilly skirt. yeah.
If They’re high quality and unique, I’ll buy a t-shirt for sure.
April 18th, 2009 at 2:08 PM
I’m gonna vote for t-shirts – provided the design is obscenely awesome, they are tight fitting and (of course) black. I like what Frankie suggested about having ‘Haute Macabre’ or the web address along the bottom and a larger design on the front.
April 18th, 2009 at 2:20 PM
i think a shirt would be the best…and those who desire to break away from the monotony of t-shirt-dom could customize and slice it up to their heart’s content.
you could have something like a shirt design contest on the blog as well and encourage your readers to submit designs. that might be interesting.
April 18th, 2009 at 2:45 PM
@Natalya – that is an AWESOME idea!
April 18th, 2009 at 2:55 PM
Yes to the stickers. And I also agree with ferretbite; maybe it’s best to save the t-shirt for a certain occasion.
What about HM bags? Eco bags, tote bags…?
April 18th, 2009 at 4:05 PM
We could do a coloring book.
Oh. Wait a minute. That won’t work at all…
April 18th, 2009 at 5:21 PM
I would totally wear a t-shirt, given it had a badass design and not just boring text. I don’t much use pins or patches though – but it appears I’m the total opposite of most of the people here, so take my opinion as you will!
April 18th, 2009 at 5:53 PM
I also place my vote for the patch. As the only OutdoorsyGoth on the planet (or so it would seem), I’d be proud to rep HM on my backpack. It would look nice next to my BatCon patch. Bandannas are also terribly useful, as both a fashion statement and emergency first aid. I am also very fond of the idea totes. It’s very hard to find a good reuseable shopping bag that isn’t covered in hippie-dippy peace signs and self-righteous twaddle.
April 18th, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Why not stylish hoodies? The type the zip up the front. You could put your logo on the breast and a design on the back.
April 18th, 2009 at 7:03 PM
@Kostika – We thought of that, but they’d be crazy expensive to have made.
April 18th, 2009 at 7:06 PM
What about HauteMacabre unmentionables? I’d be down with a pair of subversive boxers.
April 18th, 2009 at 8:30 PM
I totally agree with Natalya!
I think a HM tee would be great!
My second choice would be stickers, I definitely use more stickers than I do buttons.
April 18th, 2009 at 8:33 PM
I would definitely buy an HM t-shirt or tote…or a sleeve for my new laptop…. I bought a Ladytron sticker years ago and still haven’t found a place to put it, so I don’t think I’d go for that.
April 18th, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Stickers! Most definitely, stickers.
Also, how about tote bags? They would be totally fun yet stylish.
April 18th, 2009 at 9:19 PM
I’m with Briny Deep and EME…groovalicious PATCH please.
April 18th, 2009 at 9:37 PM
I 18346823234% agree with Natalya! A t-shirt design contest would be the wickedest thing ever. Many are going “Oh the t-shirt better have this, it should have that, etc etc” so might as well we get a chance to design it ourselves and the readers will vote for the best design.
April 18th, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Please, no buttons. I am way too old to be into buttons anymore. I barely bothered 10 years ago when I was still shaving my head. Oh wait… that was only 3 years ago… anyway, bloody hell, who has a wardrobe that isn’t based off t-shirts? Come on. (Oh, and I’m down with the tote idea. I’m so domestic in my old age…)
April 18th, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Tee-shirt with instructions for DIY alteration projects.
April 18th, 2009 at 10:43 PM
i think the offbeat ideas like a fancy patch, bandana, underpants and things like that are a pretty good idea. if you made a shirt it’d have to be more than just a conventional t shirt with a logo, maybe something faded with bleach and the logo burned in or something i don’t know, just not screened logo on tee.
maybe some sort of necklace or pendant? if you go pin make something that looks like a medal, or a pendant over a 1/2″ button.
make something that you’d post about on your blog! own it!…so we can own it!
April 18th, 2009 at 10:59 PM
As a DJ, I would love stickers for my CD box, and laptop…
But I would be down for a shirt if it was nice. Really, a bunch of design minded people like yourselves could come up with a few designs. Play with collar heights, and fitting.
But you know what would really be great? HM cardigans…
April 18th, 2009 at 11:35 PM
underpants!
April 19th, 2009 at 12:17 AM
My vote definitely goes to t-shirts. I haven’t the slightest problem feeling sufficiently befashioned when I’m layering a favorite t-shirt under a fab jacket with some rockstar jeans, boots, and jewelery. Maybe less macabre, but haute enough for my taste.
Stickers would be my second choice, and I would buy some and plaster them around liberally.
In sum, let us ask ourselves: WWKLD [What Would Karl Lagerfeld Do]? I think he’d rock the t-shirt…and make a corset out of the stickers. It’s a win-win.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:23 AM
i think t-shirts would work if you guys used 1. the right material – for example, aa’s 50/25/25 is super soft & super flattering. it looks better than just a cotton hanes shirt. 2. the right cut – rather than just a regular t-shirt, use something with an interesting cut whether it’s v-neck or scooped or collared to keep it looking nicer than just a t-shirt. 3. an interesting design – perhaps use something design by one of the hm bloggers or readers.
what i would go if i was in your guys’ position i would just go to the salvation army & buy up all the interesting shirts that don’t already have a logo or design on it & then silk screen each just with an hm design or logo. that way the shirt will be really unique – they won’t just be a boring white cotten t-shirt & potential buyers will have a huge selection of different styles of shirts. i think buying from a thrift store would also help to keep the cost of shirts down so that more readers are able to afford the shirt.
look forward to seeing whatever it is you guys choose to do.
April 19th, 2009 at 3:26 AM
I’m all for the t-shirts, but I’m not really interested in buttons or stickers. I’ve accumulated numerous buttons and stickers over the years, but I never found any real use for them. They’re stashed away in the deep, dark depths of my closet. Despite my lack of enthusiam for buttons & stickers, I have a feeling that you, the Haute Macabre staff, will find a way to put an interesting spin on your merchandise that I’ve yet to see anywhere else.
As far as suggestions and ideas go, would suggesting that the t-shirts resemble corsets be a practical idea? Is that do-able? To clarify, I was thinking of a HM shirt that looked like a corset, but was made out of…let’s say 50% cotton and 50% spandex. That way, it’s comfortable, form fitting (a huge “must” for me), and what female doesn’t enjoy the aesthetic value of a corset? It’s one of my few weaknesses. Anyway, I have a feeling that you guys could expand on that idea with a few of your own and I know that this has the potential to be fabulous.
April 19th, 2009 at 6:28 AM
Stickers and buttons I couldn’t be bothered with, but tshirts provided they’re with an extra cool design (i.e. not just haute macabre written on it, but some nice elaborate prints)…also I think maybe handbags, the simpler ones with some plain fabric and some nice prints could also interest me!
April 19th, 2009 at 6:39 AM
I vote for the patch. I’d love to add one to a jacket’s sleeve. I like the tote idea too, but the t-shirt would have to be really, really nice for me to buy (I don’t really wear t-shirts anymore, I prefer regular shirts or blouses).
But you know what would be really great? A collaboration with Cyberoptix Tie Lab to create a limited edition HM tie… Would fit right into your mission statement, no?
April 19th, 2009 at 9:16 AM
My profession is in Merchandise buying. I would look to start off with a core line of merch that can be updated design wise at later intervals. The following are good ideas:
T-shirts (mens & ladies style)
buttons ( great to accessorize organic bags and totes)
stickers (great to plaster on PC’s, laptops, bumper stickers, etc)
Organic/Hemp totes
The totes are really great for multiple use : shopping to cut down on use of plastic and paper bags, carry lunch, in lieu of carrying a pocketbook etc. Gives people an easy way to help cut down on waste products, usually very sturdy and they really can be a simple fashionable staple.
You already have one of the hottest names and logos -it was enough seeing it in SG to make me want to see what the site was about. That’s all it takes to help build brand awareness and your content shows your already on the ;cutting edge. I am sure that design wise you would make great choices.
I caution you to work with vendors that are willing to do small runs, that can reproduce for you quickly if need be and that are cost effective. Working with an LA based vendor preferrably one that uses garments with a good hand and has a talented designer that can reproduce to your spec would be a great idea. That would insure the integrity of your creative, cut substantially on your logistics,and you would be avoiding sweat shops.
HEADWEAR- including bandanas are always HUGE sellers and the best advertising.
April 19th, 2009 at 9:18 AM
If any one of you has a hand at the needle, a line of designer tees might be right up your alley – tees are super easy to sew, especially if you do a raglan sleeve. You can charge more, and we’d pay for it. I’m willing to shell out more for a hand-made tee with a tasteful design on it than for something that sloughed off CafePress. You could do limited runs of different cuts and styles for women and men. All “this month, we’ve got thirty of these flared scoop neck tees; next month we’ve got this sexy offering with a twisted seam,” and such. You can then customize the fabric as necessary, and fabric is cheaper than you’d think.
Also, seconding what Erin sez about Salvos and silk-screening.
April 19th, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I’m casting my vote for t-shirts – black or dark grey with black design. A tote might work too (as well – options are nice – why not the bandana for those who like it). Or maybe even a messenger bag, or one of those zip top ones without the strap. Personally I like minimalist design, but you guys will no doubt come up with something truly awesome.
How about long-sleeved t-shirts? I don’t see enough of those – would be more unique.
If you do then I agree, the right material makes all the difference – really sort t-shirt (probably aa) and sturdy totebag. And ideally the t-shirts not too short. You might want to think about skinny fit and wider fit for different sizes of macabre persons, though. I’d suggest maybe chest sizes rather than men’s and women’s but maybe there is a body shape issue.
I don’t see any point customising, bleaching etc the t-shirt yourself – leave that to us !!!
I don’t wear collared shirts or anything that requires ironing. I wouldn’t buy a shirt with a logo on it in any case – a t-shirt is a different matter.
I wouldn’t buy underwear with a logo. Practically speaking, hard to get the design right, too, to be comfortable.
I don’t use patches. (minimalist, I told you)
I don’t usually buy buttons. However a metal pin is a different matter – the medal idea is nice – sound very Vivienne Westwood. Stickers might be nice if they are cheap but nicely designed but I’m not sure where I’d use them – uni folders? I <3 the corset sticker idea.
Necklaces could be good – acrylic cutout ones? Practical issue though – if you wear mostly grey and black then a black necklace does not show up – might have to be silver acrylic.
I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with too!!!
Nothing wrong with festivities that would put Caligula to shame. Someone has to do it.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:17 AM
If you need help from someone with experience doing clothing product development, I can offer my help! I have a working relationship with a factory in LA that can produce new designs or do printing from artwork on blanks. A couple of different companies sell blanks that are not just basic style tees.
I think the contest is a great idea!
I love your site, so I’d be happy to help. And I’d love a t-shirt! I know all my friends would too!
Jen
April 19th, 2009 at 12:12 PM
What about having a readership contest for merch? Must cost under a certain amount to make, and then people submit various ideas (pendants, socks, etc) with examples they’ve made, you decide or the readership does, and then hire the winner to make the stuff.
Alternately, a pendant, a cosmetic mirror, or a belt buckle sound good to me. Buttons and t-shirts seem too counter to HM, though.
April 19th, 2009 at 2:48 PM
T-Shirts need to happen! NEED TO HAPPEN.
http://www.polyvore.com/haute_macabre/set?id=8135853
Do it! I don’t get buttons, and stickers would be cool to cover a car in, but downtown Chicago doesn’t appreciate cars, so I destroyed, er, got rid of mine.
Actually, wait… Could I put a button on an unwilling button participant? Because if so, I might get a button. But otherwise, no.
<3
April 19th, 2009 at 3:23 PM
brooches….fascinators…..chokers….those seem waaaay more haute macabre than any of the aforementioned ideas
but i lean on the subtle side on just about everything fashionwise
April 19th, 2009 at 3:56 PM
I’m digging on the t-shirt with a contest idea personally, stickers and buttons are meaningless clutter in my abode. You should partner with a jewelry designer to do a limited edition pendant or earrings in silver or something, I know some amazing etsians who’ve done similar projects.
April 19th, 2009 at 5:48 PM
i agree with vix, it needs to be something quirky and haute macabre, not just somet tee with ur guys name on it… hm… maybe a stencil design (not of ur name, but of like something… like a symbol/logo…) so that people can put it on their own shirt, or on a bag, or on their wall or spray paint on the side of a building… just trying to think of something that could be used by both guys and girls and for different purposes
April 19th, 2009 at 8:11 PM
@ Vix & Erika – As much as I agree with you guys, something like that just isn’t feasible at this time. Hopefully, one day, we will be able to do more high end stuff like that, but that day has not yet arrived.
I really love everyone’s ideas! It’s great to see everyone so enthusiastic about us eventually having swag, and we’re going to do our best to get some together soon.
April 19th, 2009 at 8:28 PM
You know what might be a good cheaper option for starting out that would stand by your name? How about metal pins with your logo on them? Honestly, simple tshirts and standard button-style pins wouldn’t do your blog justice. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you what your image is, and how those things just wouldn’t give the same image. But, metal pins might be a different anvenue for you to consider. Not many people do them, although I’m betting they wouldn’t cost too much to produce. Since they wouldn’t be an arm and a leg even your “Knock It Off” readers could buy them to decorate hats, pin scarves and arrange dresses. You should definitely consider it.
April 19th, 2009 at 10:44 PM
I would buy a HM tshirt if it had a flattering shape and cool design.
April 20th, 2009 at 3:59 AM
Tshirts please. I also second the american apparel…they have nice cuts and don’t really fade…non fading blacks are important.
April 20th, 2009 at 5:06 AM
How about coffee mugs it would be something to brighten a dreary day at the office.
April 20th, 2009 at 7:38 AM
Me thinks Karaya is on to something, but what about actual buttons? You could DIY it into a pin, or cufflinks, key fob, etc.
April 20th, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Would buy probably any of those if they had the right design! Stickers are probably the most appealing to me though.
April 20th, 2009 at 3:10 PM
I agree with the buttons mostly due to the fact that they are not secure and fall off of my handbag/rucksack.However a t-shirt is not the antithesis of your blog as long as it is trendy it can defy the lines a bit and be a blouse.I simply adore stickers and it would be awsome if you could make stickers that could be reusable…
April 21st, 2009 at 1:26 AM
I would not buy buttons or stickers or tshirts.
BUT I would definitely buy a black, loose fit tank that said “Haute Macabre” because, if for nothing else, I think the name of your blog is SO GOOD that I’m totally jealous I didn’t think of it first AND I love it so much I’d totally promote it everywhere.
It would be totally easy to get them wholesale from AA and then screenprint them.
If you’re gonna make clothing merch it should be something one might wear out for reals. And I totally would.
April 21st, 2009 at 1:27 AM
Actually I like my idea so much if you don’t do it I probably will anyway.
(!)
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:11 AM
Why not search for T shirt designers on Etsy, and put in an order with someone who will take great care to hand make and print each one? Then not only will each one be a hand crafted item but you would be supporting a small craft business too. PS…YES I have an etsy shop but NO I don’t make T shirts so I’m not touting for business!
)
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 AM
T-Shirt! XOXO!
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:14 AM
Alicia’s idea is good – tank tops are great. But – anyone can customise a T-shirt into a tank top with a pair of scissors – or a blouse for that matter if you have soem sewing skills and a few extra bits – so maybe it’ a good idea just to go with the T-shirts in a fitting style, in just 2 or 3 different designs e.g. silver grey, charcoal grey and black (agree non-fading black is very important), and then have a competition or (better) a regular column where readers can submit pix of their customisations which could include cutting, modifying, adding, bleaching, fading, etc. Thus giving everyone inspiration for their own wardrobe, which is what this website is about …
May 21st, 2011 at 6:10 PM
How about some lovely ceramic housewares…like, say skull shaped bowls or vases, or ceramic boxes with unusual motifs? It seems you are extending your clothing line into housewares…I think people like things they can show off, like clothes, jewelry or home decor.