2.3¢ : May peace prevail on irrationality

Happy Father's Day too all the fathers in the world! If you are a new parent, here is a piece of advice for you: Stop reading any news about Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, the new born of celebrity couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Shiloh means「Messiah」or「Peaceful One」in Hebrew, but business surround her is nothing but normal. Evidently, little Shiloh's pictures on the cover of People Magazine not only worth $4.1 Million but also brought in a big chunk of profit to the baby clothing designer, 'Kingsley', whose T's worn by Shiloh on the day of photo shooting. Orders are pouring in to baby boutiques nationwide to purchase this $42 dollar toddler shirt which probably become too small within 30 days, sooner than guarantee money return or exchange. It's outrageous!! I admit sometimes I shop irrationally, but fortunately, I am not a parent yet. When it comes to shop for babies, are the new parents rational?

First, new parents have the motivation to dress the kids the way they dress themselves. Kingsley designer Aaron said "[My design is] sort of clothes that I would even wear [and] that I would like to put on my son." In my opinion, because babies can not talk nor express their own personality or preference, parents take the advantage and clone the baby as Dr. Evil dressed up Mini-me. I always feel sympathetic for little toddler girls with pierced ears. They certainly don't realize they look cute with earrings - they may not even care - but they have to suffer the sharp pain as a direct result of their parents' choice.

Second, new parents have the ability to spend lots of money on designer vintage baby clothing. The 59 million post-boomers have now started their own families and progressed into the parenthood with more disposable income. This MTV generation is highly influenced by heavy metal rock bands. Without a doubt, carcasses and skeletons are perfect patterns for their baby's bunny suit. Kingsley designed clothing is just one example out of thousands business for en vogue baby merchandize. Furthermore, having the same t-shirt as it on Shiloh would just make the baby feel like a celebrity too.

Third, new parents have the opportunity to sort through available sources to buy all the 'baby stuff'. For example, in additionto 232 stores in US, Baby R US has partnered with Amazon to sell literally anything the parents can/cannot think of online 24/7. Thanks to the Internet and the new trends in opulence for kids, high-end baby clothing and furniture business expands like wild fire. Going to stores after stores to look for the 'color coordination perfection' is replaced by visiting websites after websites, which I assume is more acceptable particularly for dads. They definitely have more energy and time to shop via Internet.

The conclusion seems to be positive: new parents are rational in shopping for baby. However, I have a hard time to rationalize the instant success of InkyDinkTees (wore by Jolie’s son Maddox) and Baby Björn carrier (held Jolie’s daughter Zahara). It seems like every baby thing this high-profile family touched becomes gold. Or more logically, new parents are just fooled by the ancient old PR trick: PRODUCT PLACEMENT …oh well, that's another bed time story.