Piggybacking on the idea of exclusive boutiques is Claseo , an online closed shopping community that sells an invitation-only line of clothing. The Claseo fashion items which include polos like the pink one shown here, are limited and equipped with a visible identification code. In order to be able to purchase Claseo apparel, you need to be invited by a current member of Claseo. The snob appeal is high here, Claseo members choose the people who are eligible to wear Claseo designs. You can also apply for membership online. The shirt shown here, which regularly sells for 79 euros but is currently reduced to 55 euros comes with a Claseo shirt bag, five business-card-format invitation cards, five email invitation privileges, a lifetime online community membership, free shipping within the EU and free replacement if you chose the wrong size. The inviting member also gets a discount on their next purchase.
[via Springwise]








Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-26-2007 @ 2:27PM
Ruling class? said...
You can spot a similar trend by googling the search phrase "I rule the frigging world." Repeat the search several times to get the full effect. Overt status greed, that is.
Reply
11-27-2007 @ 6:49AM
artifex said...
Invitation only, current buyer gets a discount... all it needs is the promise of moneymaking for this to just be a MLM scam. Of course, status seekers prize it more than money, so...
Reply
11-27-2007 @ 7:00AM
jurgens said...
Are these people crazy? Simply go to WallMart or Sams and buy the same thing..or very close to it right there for 90% LESS. Don't throw your money away..rather buy peix or ebof ethanol stock and tripple your money in the next MONTH!!!and don;t forget to thank me later. Jurgens
Reply
11-27-2007 @ 7:15AM
Bush said...
It is so funny to see how some people never grow up and play silly games.
Reply
11-27-2007 @ 7:32AM
Brandy said...
Yea,I agree with Atrifex,this is'nt a bunch of snobs,if you buy a shirt you get"five email invitation privileges"riiiiiiiiiiight.And don't forget the inviting member then gets a discount on thrie next purchase.Skip.....
Reply
11-27-2007 @ 7:39AM
Belle Starr said...
I wouldn't be caught dead in such trash . Wal Mart sells better stuff and at a better price .
Reply
11-27-2007 @ 8:34AM
Jill said...
This is the stupidest thing I have ever heard!! Did you notice that all they talk about is how "you need to be picked by another member" as if this is so exclusive - they don;t even mention much about the products and clothing you can buy its all about being special to be invited - what a crock of S--t
Reply
11-27-2007 @ 8:38AM
daisy said...
What a bunch of snobs..and dummies.
I shop online at an online shopping
mall that gives me between 5-55% back in cash on all my purchases. There are over 1000 stores including Sephora, Apple, The Gap, Target (great for soo much), Macy's. I also wait for sales so I get my cash
back and the lowest price http://www.dailyoink.com
The site is free to join and everyone is invited! The site is ugly, but well worth it.
Reply
11-27-2007 @ 9:01AM
Topaz said...
This marketing ploy seems to be designed for the insecure folks who need to find a way to feel better or more important than others. So here is a message for anyone thinking they wish they could be invited to join. You are no better or worse then anyone else in the world no matter where you buy your pink shirt. Now.. take the money you would have spent on this undoubtedly overpriced item and buy some gifts for children who would otherwise have to go without a warm coat or hat or just a few toys under the tree. It will make you feel a lot better than a pink shirt, and make someone else feel better too.
Reply
11-27-2007 @ 11:24AM
sara said...
That shirt is ugly! I would prefer shirtsnob, and you can find $10 shirts there even, try http://www.shirtsnob.com/ and no, I am not an affiliate.
Reply
11-28-2007 @ 9:06PM
Jim lemon said...
They'll make a mint.
Reply
11-28-2007 @ 10:44PM
Marknew91 said...
It's very exclusive. Only as many people as they can trick into thinking it is very exclusive are allowed to shell out $60 for a shirt. They only make 300 million of them. And once they're gone, your out of luck... so act now. Limited time offer.
Reply
11-28-2007 @ 11:17PM
Jennypookins said...
At first, I'll admit, I was intrigued (membership is, after all, "free"). But, then I went to the website...
Exclusive my ass! That's bullshit! I bet anyone can get in through their little "application process." Especially if those ugly-ass polo shirts are all they sell... They probably NEED members in the worst kind of way.
Reply
11-28-2007 @ 11:19PM
Jennypookins said...
Oh, and they have the audacity to be expensive with their ugly shit. The nerve.
Reply
11-29-2007 @ 12:45AM
saltnpeppa said...
whats so exclusive about this shirt is that it has the persons (buyer of the shirt) IQ on the sleeve! ;o)
Reply
11-29-2007 @ 1:36AM
myself said...
... 55 euros = 80 something american. They are a wee bit proud of that t-shirt, huh?
Reply
11-29-2007 @ 2:32AM
Ed said...
This was obviously cooked up by some European idiot that knows nothing about the laws of supply and demand. To limit the number of potential buyers, is to limit the amount of possible profit one can make. They are employing one of the oldest ploys known to man, "if you tell them they can't have it, it makes them want it even more." Who are they trying to BS anyway? Only a complete fool would fall for this type of marketing gimmick. I'd rather take my chances with K-mart any day.
Reply
11-29-2007 @ 4:07AM
Tony West said...
Well I think that is one ugly shirt but for those saying just buy it at Wal-Mart...right! I'll buy it there if I want clothing that will fall apart after one or two wearings.
Reply
11-29-2007 @ 4:19AM
Jena said...
this is amusing.... what's even more amusing is their "application" name, age, location, company or university, email, who recommended, and "anything else you'd like to add" so by those simple things, you are part of an exclusive club? reminds me of grade school club-houses. i'm gonna fill out the application, just for the heck of it.
Reply
11-30-2007 @ 1:16AM
Lo said...
This is not the worlds first closed shopping community. www.Shopbiancas.com is the first. Why do they only have 1 brand. thats dumb.
Reply