
Kev and Rev Talk Brands, Gimmicks, and Good Old Fashioned Quality
On an episode of The Kev and Rev Show, the duo dives into the world of branding, consumer habits, and what makes something actually worth the price tag. From $10,000 Rolex watches to vintage Levi’s jeans, Kev and Rev question our modern obsession with logos and labels.
Kevin kicks things off with a curious story about a high-end suitcase company, Rimowa, that offers to buy back customers’ worn luggage. The catch? They refurbish and resell those same beat-up bags as premium “vintage” pieces… for a hefty price. And people are lining up for them.
“That’s loyalty to a brand,” Kev muses, pointing out how far people will go for a name, even if it’s scratched and sticker-covered.
Rev. Piotr agrees, taking it a step further: “It’s not just loyalty. It’s falling for a gimmick.” But he’s quick to clarify that if it makes you happy, then hey, go for it. Just don’t expect your suitcase to suddenly be art because someone else slapped a price tag on it.
The conversation winds through a mix of nostalgia and critique. Rev shares that he once cared deeply about brand names, when he wore shirts and ties on the regular, but found his treasures in thrift stores, scooping up high-end labels for a fraction of the price. And guess what? Those old-school shirts and shoes are still holding strong decades later.
“There was a time when brand names meant quality,” Rev says. “Now, a lot of it’s outsourced. The craftsmanship has changed.”
Kev nods in agreement, reminiscing about the days when Levi’s and Billy jeans ruled the schoolyard and having the “cool” label meant something. But in today’s market? Quality often takes a backseat to image.
They both acknowledge that some brands still hold up, but the line between quality and gimmick is thinner than ever. “Why do you need it?” Rev. Piotr asks. It’s a simple question…is it function, fashion, or just the feeling of being part of something?
The episode ends with Kevin joking “We’re branded, we’re unique,”
“Made in Canada,” The Rev chimes in.
So whether you’re rocking a thrift store treasure or eyeing the latest “vintage” designer drop, the takeaway is clear: Know why you’re buying what you’re buying—and make sure it’s for you, not just the label.