One of a Kind

Carrying designer labels and showcasing luxury brands is supposed to be

Of having made it in the world, the epitome

To get a one of its kind piece designed

With the specific customer in mind

Is of their purchasing power a demonstration

Few of us make it to that rarefied destination

The rest of us buy designer stuff with greater affordability

Thus generic versions of the well-known brands everywhere you see

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After having been in the rat race to acquire

“Run of the mill” designer stuff, I no longer desire

To buy a designer article, instead I try

To find local artisans that make unique pieces, I prefer to buy

Directly from them, but this is not as easy as it should be

There is much less access and availability

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Back in my homeland, I can purchase handwoven textiles

And have them fashioned into garments and home furnishings, according to my style

Each piece unique, and customized

To fit a unique shape and size

Crafts rooted in tradition but modified to conform

To modern sensibilities in my opinion outperform

Designer pieces that are not truly one of a kind

Without the price tag, one can get stuff custom-designed

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Each time something handcrafted I showcase

I pay tribute to an unnamed artisan from an unnamed place