Just months after MINI_motion apparel and accessories became available on the web some of the collection have now gone on sale. The sale ranges quite widely and not everything is on sale but enough is to make one wonder about the success of the line thus far. For instance the Motion Jacket regularly $638 is now down to $383 and short sleeve T-shirt is now “only” $55, regularly $92. Also most Puma outlets seem to have some limited stock of the $150 “Motion_2partshoe” for the low price of $35-$40!
Certainly it's cool gear. The shoes are as hip a pair of Puma driving shoe you'll find and the watch (while not official released yet) looks incredible. But what about the prices? Can the MINI market sustain $100 t-shirts? I believe that MINI may have run into some problems by forcing a premium brand at owners who are already trying to justify the moderately pricey MotoringGear. What's worse they give it very limited availability and thus haven't really got the word out. To my knowledge MotoringFile is the only MINI specific site to talk about the line on a regular basis. Generally you only hear about it in design or culture magazines and that was last year – way before it was available to the general public. Don't get me wrong MINI_Motion all looks like hip gear and if money where no object a lot of it would be in my closet now. It just seems as if MINI didn't organize the launching of the brand as well as it could have been.
So where does the brand go from here? Do they stay the course or introduce some lower-end items that appeal to a broader spectrum of owners. Time will tell.
In the mean time I count the days until my MINI_Motion watch comes to my door 🙂
<p>$383 for a jacket? Does it come with a JCW upgrade? </p>
<p>I don't think I've ever paid that much for an article of clothing, save my one high-end black suit (all my other suits have been under that price point). </p>
<p>I've always understood a brand to be something that carries value over and above the actual article itself. Call it image, call it elan, call it a cool factor. It carries a set of broadly understood symbols and values that transcend any physical presence. But MINI_motion has precisely zero resonance with me. There's nothing about the clothing that trades on any of the intrinsic high points of the MINI brand, aside from the name. A nice watch? Sure. But tell me how it's any different than a watch that could be tied in with the Subaru, Acura, Cadillac or Volkswagen?</p>
<p>-CW</p>
<p>As a designer, the big reason I find the watch irresitiable is it's a fantastic design and it was designed by one Yves Béha. I would almost buy it on that fact alone. It just so happens it's also associated with the MINI brand. </p>
<p>But here's a full explanation of MINI_Motion and possibly why some it is now on sale (you can find the full text of this quote <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2003/03/07/MINI_MotionApparelAndProducts">here</a>:</p>
<p>MINI_motion will comprise of a select number of limited edition products. The collection will be refreshed seasonally and includes apparel, shoes, bags and accessories.</p>
<p>Yves Béhar has created MINI<em>motion by taking MINI's inherent design integrity and overlaying his own expertise in various disciplines ranging from fashion to sports to furniture to technology, creating items that allow the individual seamless mobility. The inaugural MINI</em>motion collection will debut in select specialty stores in the United States in Fall 2003.</p>
<p>Béhar: “We spend more and more time driving and yet our lives inside and outside the car are disconnected. MINI is developing a product line that no other car brand has attempted by creating innovative solutions that fuse the inside and outside experiences. Inspired by people, life observation, design and attitude, the MINI_motion point of view is that the product collection should work just as well in-the-car as out,”</p>
<p>It's certainly a lofty aim that Beher and MINI are going. I suppose they should be commended for trying. Lets hope that next years range will include a wider array of compelling products.</p>
<p>I have the shoes, and love them, but only without the booty that is supposed to go inside. I also picked them up for only $40 at the PUMA outlet. The whole line is pretty much out of my price range, even though I love the sleek design. Personally, I don't think market will support $100 tees. Perhaps a wider range in pricing would be more in line for future seasons.</p>
<p>Gabe,
How do you access the sale prices?</p>
<p>The prices are listed on the website which is linked to within the article and</p>
<p>Was it Marshall McLuhan that said The Medium is the Message?
I'm not getting the message on this stuff….. maybe the message is if ya buy this stuff ya got more money than sense, but to each his own…..and as I said before, on another post about this stuff, Air Mocks anyone?…………R</p>
<p>CometGirl63 – my wife also dislikes the inner sleeve. It seems a little unnecessary. Otherwise they're hip.</p>
<p>None of these things connect very well to the MINI brand. This line could very well be handed over to Toyota and be renamed “Scion_Motion”- whereas the MINI lifestyle items are very much tied into the brand.</p>
<p>Basically, as a MINI owner, there's no added incentive for me to buy these things over any other designer brand out there.</p>
<p>I just don't understand this stuff. I could go for the shoes for $40, but I aside from that I'll pass. There just doesnt't seem to be anythin special about this stuff, be it astetic or functional.</p>
<p>If I am going to shell out that kind of money on clothing, there is a list of other places I would go before the MINI Motion apparel.</p>
<p>BTW I test drove on of the pre-launch Scions at the Toyota dealer and they just dont compare. They drive and feel just like an Echo (which they are built off of) and illuminated cup holders and SUV like head room are not goin to convince me. The chassis is noticably less stiff then the MINI and in general the fun factor is simply dialed way down.</p>
<p>FYI peoples, according to Brian @ Classic mini, the watch will be discounted as well. Per my last conversation. </p>
<p>I love my watches :-)</p>
<p>Interesting – from what I can tell the watch has yet to be released. I've never even seen or heard of anyone seeing it.</p>
<p>Where the heck are these Puma stores I hear everyone talking about? I've looked for their locations through the net but have been unable to find what I am looking for. Anyone know of one in the Philly area?</p>
<p>Here you go Kurt…</p>
<p>The Puma Store
1505 Walnut
Philly, PA 19102</p>
<p>Gabe,</p>
<p>I think I need that watch too.</p>
<p>Mark, </p>
<p>Is this one of the outlets where I can get the cheap shoes, or just a regular joint where they sell them for full price?</p>