Neon Classic Hoody by CBE
December 1st, 2008
Design: Elly Green
Manufacturer: CBE Hoody
Date: 2008
This is one of those products that I think must have been very brave to produce. Does the world need another hoodie? They are everywhere, from generics like the GAP and American Apparel, and every street brand offers a version. But this is exactly why the latest hoodies from CBE are such a hit. In an ocean of hoodies, designer Elly Green has created the perfect one. CBE differs by being handmade in Toronto (low run), with an independent colour range, the best ingredients (heavy duty zippers and pulls, serious stitching, and thick fabric), solid tailoring and cut (with Canadian details like a higher collar and low waist to reduce drafts), with a fit that is great for an afternoon on the couch, or an evening out and more.
It is rare to be around when a fashion item is launching and has the right stuff, like when the first Red Tags or Chuck Taylors hit the market, but this is one. Toronto get into your own stuff, get a CBE Hoody (or bunny hug if you are from the prairies) and lets get this movement started.
-Todd Falkowsky
Entry Filed under: Fashion
14 Comments Add your own
1. Kristin | December 1st, 2008 at 07:27
YEAH, i just bought one at One of a Kind. You are so right, these are the best hoodies ever. Well made but still feel and look handmade (these do not feel like they were made by a machine).
I am glad to be part of the movement.
2. Blade Runner | December 1st, 2008 at 07:36
I’m in, but can you shop from the website? Can i ask for a custom colour combination?
3. Jay | December 1st, 2008 at 08:45
I was in until I saw the price—$172CAD from the CBE website. Is it less expensive in stores?
For what CBE is asking, I can make one custom fit, with custom colours, and have a decent hunk of change left over. Nuts to this movement, methinks.
4. KD | December 1st, 2008 at 09:19
It is not just about the actual cost of making it. The design and thinking is what you pay for. Go get one a Walmart dude, these are really good and the act of supporting local shit and helping things grow is way better than buying a fucking American Apparel brand.
Movement is a little rich, but don’t knock the local shit.
5. Jay | December 1st, 2008 at 21:25
KD-I’m not knocking homegrown design. I’m knocking a ridiculous price tag, and would regardless of where it came from. More than $60 for any sweater is more than warranted. Supporting homegrown talent is one thing, and I wish CBE all the success in the world. They won’t get my money, though, and neither will American Apparel. If I want better clothes than what’s readily available at large retail outlets, I can find them LOCALLY for less than this or make them myself for less than this. How exactly is that knocking the local shit?
Oh, it isn’t. I just happen to disagree with you. So sorry, dude.
6. Britt | December 2nd, 2008 at 02:11
I agree with Jay – I’ve seen price tags on the most ridiculous of items, even those handmade. There’s the cost of the item, production, and idea, but come on. There’s only so many dollar signs you can stick on an idea before it becomes ridiculous.
Hooray for bunnyhugs, BTW. I thought it was exclusive to Saskatchewan.
7. PinkT | December 2nd, 2008 at 07:29
A small volume, hand sewn, complex pattern and a price that is still less that a brand name hoodie. This thread is getting sideways. Don’t be a bunch of cheap Canadians, always looking for a bargain. I have one of these, and can say, they are worth every nickle. The cost keeps them from being seen everywhere and keeps the maker in business.
Not all purchases are about the price (the Iphone is twice as much as most, but that is not stopping sales). The price is the price, if this was Italy and Prada, or France and Lacoste, or Germany and Hugo Boss, you would never hear this debate. They believe in their homegrown work and are willing to pay extra for it. In Canada we are so used to everything being made somewhere else (Mostly China) that we have no perspective on what it takes to be a small upstart working in downtown Toronto.
This product is definitely upscale, kinda like when jeans double in proice when designers got in the mix, be happy that Canada is producing such work and that there are choices, from cheap to high quality. Stop pinching every penny and try to support local fashion.
8. Jay | December 2nd, 2008 at 13:42
PinkT
The hooded sweatshirt is hardly a complex pattern. A full-length, period-accurate Tudor gown is a complex pattern. I don’t look for bargains, I look for good products at a rational price…another reason apart from Canada’s data rates for why I won’t be buying an iPhone (or equivalent) anytime soon.
There would not be this debate if it was a Prada (et al) product? That’s just ridiculous. An idiotic price is an idiotic price, regardless of whether it’s Grandma Molson knitting at the kitchen table or Karl Lagerfeld sharting some couture.
As for local fashion, you missed my point(s) the first time around. I don’t feel like repeating myself, so reread what I posted previously, please.
This, like so much Canadian art & design, is just more copying of what other regions are doing…niche product + high price = buzz. Some people want to think that’s a worthy movement? More power to them. Just stop trying to tell me I have to shut up and go along with you.
Have a great week.
9. Ingrid | December 2nd, 2008 at 14:28
No need to be snarky…
These are great hoodies. I have one, myself. “Rational” prices are pretty subjective, and so is “good design”. I choose to vote with my wallet. I spent a chunk of my hard earned dough on a hoodie that will last me for years. It has double stitching, a secret pocket and wont ride up my midriff among other well thought out features. And unlike some people I do not have the skills or resources to make something just as good myself. Plus it’s local, so I’m supporting one of our own, which makes me feel good about where my money is going.
Glad to know your opinion Jay. This is mine. To each his own.
Way to go, Elly! You’ve got a good thing going.
10. peldar | December 2nd, 2008 at 21:52
Jay,
Make hoodies by hand for $60 retail that are as well made as these and I’ll buy one from you…you’ll make pennies an hour after all your costs and labour but hey, why should I care if you make enough money to pay rent, food, materials, entertainment, taxes and everything else.
11. Britt | December 3rd, 2008 at 02:46
Peldar – I do custom costuming/clothing alterations and have sewn my entire life. I promise you I can draft an identical bunnyhug in a day, or alter an existing one to fit just as well. I can definitely understand where Joe Blow sees the quality in something like this, but as someone who sews for money on the side and knows what goes into garment construction, eh, no big deal whatsoever.
12. Ingrid | December 3rd, 2008 at 09:54
Britt – are you kidding? You might know how to sew and rip off patterns but apparently sarcasm isn’t your strong suit.
Look people: some of you think that CBE’s prices are a bit rich, but so be it. Elly is not making hoodies for poor people. Get over it. If you don’t like the price, don’t buy one. But don’t knock a good design or a budding designer who is trying to eke out a living making a terrific product. And by knock, I mean offer to rip off her design and undercut her price. What would that accomplish? (I guess it’s sort of a compliment, but it’s super shitty actually). Is there a reason we wouldn’t want to support a local designer and wish her well in her endeavour? Britt, your comment sucks and makes me sad.
If you don’t like the price – don’t buy one. If you’re concerned about people not being able to afford a hoodie, donate some to a shelter.
13. Gwendolyne | December 19th, 2008 at 17:34
I would like to share with you my thoughts about my new hoodie. I was fortunate to find these wonderful designs at the One of a Kind show this year. I am a designer as well and make my own designs for people. Each item I make is for another person. I take great pride in creating the best for another. I was drawn to these hoodies as they are made from the same thoughts as mine. When someone creates the best for another, let me tell you that you can see, feel and experience that vibe. The designs are terrific. I bought one for myself, and then for my Mom. Later in the show I brought my husband over to the booth and he too got excited. He is of slight build and there was a style that was perfect for his body. Quality out beats price any day and I feel I have bought value in my life and also inspire another person to be so lucky to own one in the future. If we want good things in the world we must support them or else they will not survive. No future land fill for this cuddly hoodie. Plus I really dig buying from another Canadian producer.
14. Jeremy | October 8th, 2009 at 09:55
Elly is awesome. And so are her Hoodies. My Wife and I each have one.
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